Yellowhead Yellowhead

1. Bright yellow head and breast with brown back and wings

2. Distinctive foraging behavior, often seen hanging upside down on tree trunks

3. Sweet, canary-like trilling song echoing through the forest

Yellowheads breed in spring and summer, building nests in tree cavities. They're social birds, often seen in family groups or larger flocks outside breeding season. Sadly, they face significant threats from introduced predators like rats and stoats, particularly during nesting. Conservation efforts, including predator control and island translocations, are crucial for their survival.

Look for Yellowheads in South Island beech forests, particularly in the Catlins, Blue Mountains, and Fiordland. They're most active during daylight hours, foraging high in the tree canopy. Listen for their melodious song and watch for movement in the upper branches. A tip for spotting them: look for falling bits of bark and moss – Yellowheads often dislodge debris while foraging.

Known as Mōhua or Mōhoua in Māori, the Yellowhead has been part of New Zealand's forest ecosystem for countless generations. Once widespread across South Island forests, it was known to early European settlers as the "bush canary." Its decline mirrors the environmental changes in New Zealand, making it a poigt symbol of conservation efforts.