Yellowhead

Mohua is a small South Island forest bird with a bright yellow head and breast contrasting with brown wings and back. The entire head and underparts are vivid yellow; pōpokotea has a white head and occurs only in the North Island.

Remaining mainland populations are concentrated in South Island beech forests, including the Catlins, Landsborough and Eglinton valleys, with island refuges offshore. Mohua forage in noisy flocks for insects on trunks and branches and nest in tree cavities.

Yellowhead is At Risk — Declining (NZ Threat Classification). Stoats and rats kill nesting females and chicks, especially after beech mast events. The Catlins, Eglinton Valley and predator-managed island sanctuaries offer the best chances.