Black Robin

Name: Black Robin
Brand: Metalbird New Zealand
SKU: NZ-REG-BLAC
Price: 64.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

$64.99

4 103 Reviews

In stock

Description

A silhouette of survival and song.
The Chatham Island Black Robin is one of Aotearoa’s greatest conservation success stories. Once reduced to a single fertile female, this tiny round songbird came back from the brink — and now, just a few hundred remain in the wild. This silhouette honours that near-miracle. It’s a tribute to resilience, hope, and the people who never gave up.

Crafted from 3mm Corten® steel, it’s built to last and weather beautifully over time. Whether gifted to a nature-lover or installed in your own backyard, this piece brings meaning and presence to any space.

✓ Endangered and iconic... A tribute to one of NZ’s rarest native birds
✓ Striking in silhouette... Measures 12cm high x 31cm wide, approx. 300g
✓ NZ-made quality... Designed and cut in a local, family-run workshop
✓ Made from Corten® steel... Develops a protective weathered finish outdoors
✓ Perfect for gifting... Ships flat in our A4 box (31cm x 21cm x 1cm)
✓ Fast dispatch... Same-day shipping on weekday orders before 2pm
✓ Ready to install... Just tap it in with a hammer — easy, secure, and satisfying

This little survivor deserves a place of pride — we recommend a quiet spot near native trees, a garden path, or anywhere birds tend to gather.

1. Choose a timber post, tree trunk, or fence rail for natural effect
2. Hold the robin steady with the stake angled slightly downward
3. Tap the thickest part of the stake with a hammer or mallet
4. If installing into hardwood, pre-drilling a small guide hole helps
5. Step back — it’s not just a silhouette, it’s a story worth telling

Top Tip: Place where it catches soft morning light for a beautiful shadow-play.

Why is this bird special?
The Chatham Island Black Robin was once the rarest bird in the world — saved from extinction by one surviving female and a massive conservation effort. It’s an icon of hope.

Can I install it on a fence post?
Yes — it looks great on fence posts, tree trunks, or even large planters. Just tap it in gently with a hammer.

Will it rust?
In the best way possible. Corten® steel is designed to develop a rust-like patina that protects it from the elements — no flaking, no breakdown.

Is this made in NZ?
Absolutely. All our birds are proudly made in New Zealand by a family-owned manufacturer.

Can I gift it?
Yes — it arrives flat in a beautiful A4 box and makes a meaningful gift for bird lovers, conservationists, or anyone who loves rare beauty.

Style With

$64.99

AS SEEN IN

Most of our steel bird silhouettes are cut from 3 mm Corten weathering steel. Check the individual product for its material, thickness and manufacturing origin: wooden birds, clothing and other products have their own specifications.

Why does Corten steel change colour?

Outdoors, the steel develops a natural rust patina. Grey gives way to orange and brown tones, with the setting and weather doing their bit. The colour and timing vary. It is unpainted steel, so a permanent black finish is not part of the deal.

Where should I put it?

Choose a spot with good drainage. Rusty runoff can mark pale paving, pots and walls, particularly while the steel is weathering. Follow the mounting instructions for your particular bird or feeder.

See how patina develops · Find your bird · Installation and care help

The Patina Process:

That first flash of orange? Your steel bird is settling in. Corten weathering steel develops a natural rust patina, changing through orange and brown tones as it spends time outdoors.

How long does patina take?

There is no fixed timetable or guaranteed final colour. Rain, humidity, airflow and the position you choose all affect how the surface changes.

Will it stain nearby surfaces?

Rusty runoff can mark paving, pots and walls, especially during early weathering. Leave room around pale surfaces and choose a location where water can drain freely.

Is my bird painted black?

Corten birds are unpainted steel. Their finish changes naturally; they are not intended to stay permanently black. Check your product page for the exact material and care instructions.

Read about the material · Browse the birds · Ask us about care

what’s the word on the bird?

Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 103 reviews.

Seen from the longe and spa he sits near the blossom tree and sparrows that spend their day in and out.

Helen W. 5/5 Verified September 6, 2023