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How the Stitchbird got its name!

A 19th century ornithologist Sir Walter Buller described the call made by the male stitchbird (hihi) as resembling the word ‘stitch’. This call sounds a little like two stones being repeatedly stuck together. Both males and females also have a range of warble-like calls and whistles.

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Filename: Stitchbird 04_H7C0424.jpg
Copyright: Kimball Chen
Image Size: 3212x4818 / 8.7MB; www.keaphotography.org; Stitchbird stitch name call Notiomystis cincta Hihi Tiritiri Matangi endemic bird forest canopy New Zealand vulnerable
Contained in galleries: Showcase of New Zealand Wildlife Photography, Vulnerable Species, Stitchbird Pictures - Photos, Conservation & Nature NZ

A 19th century ornithologist Sir Walter Buller described the call made by the male stitchbird (hihi) as resembling the word ‘stitch’. This call sounds a little like two stones being repeatedly stuck together. Both males and females also have a range of warble-like calls and whistles.