Stitchbird

Hihi is an endemic forest songbird now confined to Hauturu/Little Barrier Island and managed translocation sites. The male’s black head, white ear tufts and yellow shoulder band contrast with the female’s grey-brown plumage. Both sexes have a bold white wing bar, slender downcurved black bill and a habit of cocking the tail. Female hihi differ from female bellbirds by being grey-brown rather than greenish, with a white wing patch but no white cheek line.

The sole surviving natural population is on Hauturu/Little Barrier Island. Translocated populations occur at Tiritiri Matangi, Zealandia, Maungatautari, Bushy Park, Rotokare and Kāpiti Island, where forest, nest boxes and supplementary food are managed. Hihi feed on nectar, fruit and invertebrates and move quickly through the middle canopy. Females build deep cup nests in tree cavities or boxes and may lay as many as four clutches of 1–5 eggs in a season.

Hihi is Threatened — Nationally Vulnerable (NZ Threat Classification). Rats and disease contributed to its disappearance from the mainland, while food shortages and Aspergillus infections complicate translocations. Tiritiri Matangi, Zealandia, Maungatautari, Bushy Park and Rotokare provide public viewing opportunities. Feeders and nest-box areas at managed sanctuaries are the most predictable places to look.