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  • 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.
    Stitchbird 11_H7C1610.jpg
  • After the extinction of stitchbird on mainland New Zealand in the 1880s, the success of the stitchbird's growing population on Tiritiri Matangi Island has allowed for reintroduction of hihi back to Zealandia and Ark in the Park.
    Stitchbird 09_H7C0860.jpg
  • Stitchbird (hihi) are a North Island species only, originally found throughout the North Island and offshore islands such as Kapiti, Great Barrier and Little Barrier Islands. There is no record of them ever having been in the South Island.
    Stitchbird 08_H7C0852.jpg
  • 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.
    Stitchbird 04_H7C0424.jpg
  • Stitchbird, Tiritiri Matangi, New Zealand
    Stitchbird 16_H7C9809.jpg
  • Stitchbirds were first released on Tiri in 1995 and have successfully bred.  The population on Tiritiri Matangi Island is now over 100 birds, with a total population of around 4500.
    Stitchbird 10_H7C1605.jpg
  • The beak deformity in this Stitchbird gives resemblance to that of a normal but unique Crossbill.
    Stitchbird 12_H7C1614.jpg
  • Previously categorized as a honeyeater along with the tui and bellbird, the stitchbird is now classed as the only member of its own family, the Notiomystidae. The stitchbird's nearest relative appears to be New Zealand wattlebirds, such as kokako.
    Stitchbird 07_H7C0821.jpg
  • Stitchbird, Tiritiri Matangi, New Zealand
    Stitchbird 13_H7C1619.jpg
  • The male stitchbird has a velvety black head, upper breast and back, with white tufts behind the eyes, a bright yellow border across the breast and folded wings, with pale brown underparts.
    Stitchbird 03_H7C0027.jpg
  • Stitchbird, Tiritiri Matangi, New Zealand
    Stitchbird 05_H7C0438.jpg
  • Stitchbird in its typical "tail-cocked" position, in the forest of Tiritiri Matangi, New Zealand.
    Stitchbird 02_4683.jpg
  • The Groucho Marx of birds?  Erect white ear-tufts on this Stitchbird resemble raised bushy eyebrows, which are normally laid flat against the side of the head.  Tiritiri Matangi, New Zealand.
    Stitchbird 06_H7C0809.jpg
  • Only 17 of 37 stitchbirds survived the first transfer from Little Barrier Island to Tiritiri Matangi in 1995.  The next year, only 2 of 13 stitchbirds survived the second transfer.  Since this slow start, the stitchbird population on Tiritiri Matangi Island has grown well, jumping to 109 adult birds in 2003.
    Stitchbird 14_H7C1625.jpg
  • Stitchbird, New Zealand
    Stitchbird 01_4681.jpg
  • Although the stitchbird is found in most forest-types, it requires mature forest for breeding as it nests in tree cavities.
    Stitchbird 18_MG_9794.jpg
  • Like the other two New Zealand honeyeaters, the Tui and the Bellbird, they feed on a mixture of nectar, fruit, and insects.  The stitchbird is the lowest in the pecking order of the three honeyeaters and will only be permitted to feed on low-grade sources of nectar when the tui and bellbird are also present.
    Stitchbird 17_H7C9822.jpg
  • Flycatcher-like bristles are clearly noticeable on this Stitchbird portrait, amongst the lush green forest of Tiritiri Matangi, New Zealand.
    Stitchbird 15_H7C9783.jpg
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