Mohoua ochrocephala
Near Threatened
Commonly referred to as the "Bush Canary", the Yellowhead is a vibrant and melodic bird native to the South Island of New Zealand. Renowned for their distinctive yellow head and melodious song, these small birds are cherished inhabitants of the island's beech and podocarp forests. However, they are currently endangered due to habitat loss and predation, making them a precious component of New Zealand's rich biodiversity.
Males and females have similar plumage
Yellow
Grey
Brown, White
White, Black
Brown
Brown
Short
Black
Black
Grey
Grey
Yellow head and breast, brown back and wings
More olive upperparts and paler underparts than adults
Short and brown
Short and brown
14cm to 15cm
Length
25cm to 30cm
Wingspan
26g to 32g
Weight
Click on an image below to see the full-size version
Yellowhead perching on a branch
Yellowhead perching on a Heliconia Flower
Distinctive loud, melodious song
Series of clear, flute-like tones, often repeated in a pattern
Sharp, short chirps signaling distress or alert
Primarily active during the day, foraging for food in the morning and evening
Groups of 3-12 individuals
Defends feeding territories
Non-migrant
Occasionally interacts with other bird species
Insects, Spiders, Fruit
Forages in the canopy and on the ground
Throughout the day
Gleaning and hawking
Varies with season and prey availability
None known
In trees or shrubs
Cup-shaped nest made from twigs, moss and spiderwebs
October to February
One to two
White with brown speckles
Approximately 2cm x 3cm
2-4 eggs
Around 20 days
Approximately 20 days
Both parents feed chicks, but females incubate
South Island of New Zealand
Beech and podocarp forests
Sea level to subalpine
Non-migrant
Temperate Rainforest
Temperate
Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.
Resident or Present
2
5
3 year(s)
1 year(s)
1 year(s)
Monogamous, often returning to same breeding site each year
None known
Near Threatened (IUCN Red List)
Habitat loss, predation by introduced mammals
Conservation programs in place, including predator control and habitat restoration
Overall population is decreasing
Other names:
Mohua, Bush Canary
Family:
MohouidaePopulation size:
5,000
Population trend:
Decreasing
Conservation status:
Near Threatened
IUCN Red List
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