The Rock Wren (Xenicus gilviventris) inhabits alpine areas of the South Island. The Rock Wren is the only surviving species in the genus Xenicus, and is thought to have been closely related to the recently extinct Bush Wren. Like the tiny Rifleman it is a poor flier, rarely flying more than two metres off the ground or for distances or more than 30m. It feeds in low scrub, open scree and rockfalls in alpine areas.