Yellowhammer

The introduced yellowhammer, or hurukōwhai, is a bunting of New Zealand farmland whose males develop a bright yellow head. Breeding males are yellow on the head and underparts with chestnut-streaked flanks; females are duller and more streaked, and both sexes show chestnut rump tones and white outer tail feathers.

It is widespread in agricultural and other open habitats, particularly in the South Island. Birds feed on seeds and grain on the ground, adding insects during breeding, and gather into mixed winter flocks.

Fence lines, roadside wires and stubble fields in eastern South Island farming districts are especially productive.