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Stitchbird, Tiritiri Matangi, New Zealand

In one of the many stories about the demigod Māui, the stitchbird (hihi) refused to fetch water for him after he had captured the sun and slowed it down. Māui threw the bird into the fire, burning its feathers. Hihi means rays of the sun, and the bird’s name refers to the male’s yellow breast plumage – a reminder of sun and fire.

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Filename: Stitchbird 11_H7C1610.jpg
Copyright: Kimball Chen
Image Size: 4574x3049 / 8.5MB; www.keaphotography.org; Stitchbird 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

In one of the many stories about the demigod Māui, the stitchbird (hihi) refused to fetch water for him after he had captured the sun and slowed it down. Māui threw the bird into the fire, burning its feathers. Hihi means rays of the sun, and the bird’s name refers to the male’s yellow breast plumage – a reminder of sun and fire.