Yellowhead
Mohoua ochrocephala
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Yellowhead, or Mohua, is a small, vibrant bird with a distinctive bright yellow head and breast. Its body is primarily olive-green, with brown wings and tail. The bird has a slender, slightly curved grey bill and brown legs.
Males display more intense yellow colouration on their heads and breasts compared to females. Juveniles have a duller plumage, with less yellow and more olive tones overall.
Size
Length
15cm to 16cm
Wingspan
20cm to 22cm
Weight
25g to 30g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Yellowheads are endemic to New Zealand and found exclusively in the South Island and Stewart Island. They inhabit mature beech forests, particularly those dominated by red, silver, or mountain beech trees.
Their distribution has significantly contracted over the past century due to habitat loss and predation. They are now primarily found in larger forest tracts in Fiordland, Mt Aspiring National Park, and parts of Nelson Lakes National Park.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 1,200 meters
Climate zones
Temperate
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Yellowhead. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Yellowhead demonstrates high agility, moving rapidly through tree canopies and often hanging upside down from branches whilst foraging. Their ability to navigate complex forest environments with ease suggests excellent manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small bird weighing only 25-30 grams, the Yellowhead's strength is limited. However, they possess sufficient strength for their size to forage effectively and construct nests from twigs and other materials.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Yellowheads show good adaptability in their foraging behaviour, switching to seeds and fruit when insects are scarce in winter. Their ability to live in various beech forest types also indicates adaptability, though their vulnerability to introduced predators suggests some limitations.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Yellowheads are not known for aggressive behaviour. They are social birds, often found in family groups or mixed-species flocks, which suggests a generally peaceful disposition. However, they likely display some territorial behaviour during breeding season.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
While specific endurance data is limited, Yellowheads' active foraging behaviour and ability to survive in challenging environments indicate moderate endurance. Their potential lifespan of up to 15 years in predator-free environments also suggests reasonable stamina for their size.
Diet
Yellowheads primarily feed on insects and spiders found in the bark and foliage of trees. They have a particular fondness for moth and beetle larvae.
During winter, when insects are scarce, they supplement their diet with small amounts of seeds and fruit.
Behaviour
Yellowheads are agile and active birds, often seen moving rapidly through tree canopies in search of insects. They frequently hang upside down from branches while foraging.
These birds are social and typically found in small family groups or mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season.
Vocalisation
Yellowheads have a distinctive, high-pitched call often described as a repeated 'cheet-cheet-cheet'. During the breeding season, males produce a more complex, warbling song.
Their vocalisations are an important tool for locating these often elusive birds in dense forest canopies.
Nesting & Breeding
Yellowheads form monogamous pairs and breed from September to February. Males court females with soft, warbling songs and displays of their bright plumage.
Nests are typically built in tree cavities or among dense foliage constructed from twigs, moss, and feathers. Females lay 2-4 white eggs with reddish-brown speckles.
Both parents share incubation duties for about 18 days. Chicks fledge after approximately 21 days but may remain with their parents for several months.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
The Yellowhead is classified as Near Threatened due to habitat loss and predation by introduced mammals.
Conservation efforts include predator control programs, habitat protection, and translocation to predator-free islands. These measures are crucial for the species' survival.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Yellowheads in beech forests, particularly in areas with mature trees
- Listen for their distinctive high-pitched 'cheet-cheet-cheet' call
- Observe tree trunks and branches carefully, as they often forage in bark crevices
- Visit South Island beech forests in New Zealand for the best chances of spotting them
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Introduced mammals pose the greatest threat, including stoats, rats, and possums. Native birds of prey, such as the New Zealand falcon, may also occasionally hunt Yellowheads.
Did You Know?
- Yellowheads can live up to 15 years in predator-free environments.
- They are one of only three species in the Mohouidae family, all endemic to New Zealand.
- Yellowheads play a crucial role in forest ecosystems by controlling insect populations.
References
- 3 4
report, 1999: C. O'Donnell in litt.
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2022. Mohoua ochrocephala. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T22705397A209465053.
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