Stitchbird

Maori Name: 
Hihi
Scientific Name: 
Notiomystis cincta
Family:
  • Passerine Birds (Native)
Size:
  • Sparrow-Blackbird
Abundance:
  • Uncommon
Origin:
  • Native

18 cm, Male 40 g, Female 30 g. Male has white erectile tufts behind eyes; velvety black head, upper breast and back, bordered golden yellow across breast and folded wings; rest of underparts pale brown. Female greyish brown with white wingbar; lacks ear tufts. Often cocks tail. Call a loud explosive whistle: 'see—si—ip'. Habitat: Forest on a few predator—free islands, especially Little Barrier, Tiritiri Matangi, Kapiti and Mokoia. Breeding: Sep—Apr.

Stitchbird: 
Stitchbird