Yellowhead

Yellowhead

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.

Appearance and Identification

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Color

Yellow

Primary Color (juvenile)

Grey

Secondary Colors

Brown, White

Secondary Colors (female)

Secondary Colors (juvenile)

White, Black

Secondary Colors (seasonal)

Wing Color

Brown

Wing Color (juvenile)

Brown

Beak Type

Short

Beak Color

Black

Beak Color (juvenile)

Black

Leg Color

Grey

Leg Color (juvenile)

Grey

Distinctive Markings

Yellow head and breast, brown back and wings

Distinctive Markings (juvenile)

More olive upperparts and paler underparts than adults

Tail Description

Short and brown

Tail Description (juvenile)

Short and brown

Size Metrics

14cm to 15cm

Length

25cm to 30cm

Wingspan

26g to 32g

Weight

Photos

Click on an image below to see the full-size version

Vocalization and Sounds

Primary Calls

Distinctive loud, melodious song

Call Description

Series of clear, flute-like tones, often repeated in a pattern

Alarm Calls

Sharp, short chirps signaling distress or alert

Behavior and Social Structure

Daily Activities

Primarily active during the day, foraging for food in the morning and evening

Social Habits

Groups of 3-12 individuals

Territorial Behavior

Defends feeding territories

Migratory Patterns

Non-migrant

Interaction with Other Species

Occasionally interacts with other bird species

Diet

Primary Diet

Insects, Spiders, Fruit

Feeding Habits

Forages in the canopy and on the ground

Feeding Times

Throughout the day

Prey Capture Method

Gleaning and hawking

Diet Variations

Varies with season and prey availability

Special Dietary Needs (if any)

None known

Nesting

Nesting Location

In trees or shrubs

Nest Construction

Cup-shaped nest made from twigs, moss and spiderwebs

Breeding Season

October to February

Number of clutches (per breeding season)

One to two

Egg Appearance

White with brown speckles

Egg Size

Approximately 2cm x 3cm

Clutch Characteristics

2-4 eggs

Incubation Period

Around 20 days

Fledgling Period

Approximately 20 days

Parental Care

Both parents feed chicks, but females incubate

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

South Island of New Zealand

Habitat Description

Beech and podocarp forests

Elevation Range

Sea level to subalpine

Migration Patterns

Non-migrant

Biome

Temperate Rainforest

Climate zones

Temperate

Distribution Map

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.

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