13 October, 2009

Yellowhead

Scientific Name: Mohoua ochrocephala

Population Estimate: 1,000 - 2,500 individuals, Endangered status

Range / Habitat: Endemic to New Zealand, primarily Fiordland, Stewart Island, Catlins, West Coast. Prefers tall native forest, especially red beech.

Field Notes: Small, round passerine with bright yellow head and chest contrasting with black eye and bill. Upperparts brown. Call a loud, staccato chattering with trills and slurs. Yellowhammer only other passerine in New Zealand with similarly bright yellow head, but has distinctive dark facial markings and streaked chest.

Personal Notes: Maori name Mohua. Seen in the Fiordlands and then later captured on film on Stewart Island.

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