Species Profile
Yellowhead
Mohoua ochrocephala
Quick Facts
Conservation
NTNear ThreatenedAlso known as: Mohua, Bush Canary
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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.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Yellow
- Secondary
- Brown
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Brown
Female Colors
- Primary
- Olive
- Secondary
- Brown
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Brown
Male Markings
Yellow head and breast, brown back and wings
Tail: Short and brown
Female Markings
Less bright yellow on head compared to males
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & 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.
Distribution
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.
Calls & Sounds
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
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.
Population
Estimated: 5,000 - 10,000 mature individuals[3]
Trend: Decreasing[4]
Overall population is decreasing
Elevation
Sea level to 1,200 meters
Additional Details
- Egg size:
- Approximately 2cm x 3cm
- 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.
- Alarm calls:
- Sharp, short chirps signaling distress or alert
- Breeding age:
- 1
- Maturity age:
- 1
- Feeding times:
- Throughout the day
- Major threats:
- Habitat loss, predation by introduced mammals
- Parental care:
- Both parents feed chicks, but females incubate
- Primary calls:
- Distinctive loud, melodious song
- Social habits:
- Groups of 3-12 individuals
- Egg appearance:
- White with brown speckles
- Feeding habits:
- Forages in the canopy and on the ground
- Breeding season:
- October to February
- Diet variations:
- Varies with season and prey availability
- Fledging period:
- Approximately 20 days
- Average lifespan:
- 3
- Call description:
- Series of clear, flute-like tones, often repeated in a pattern
- Daily activities:
- Primarily active during the day, foraging for food in the morning and evening
- Nesting location:
- In trees or shrubs
- Number of broods:
- One to two
- Incubation period:
- Around 20 days
- Nest construction:
- Cup-shaped nest made from twigs, moss and spiderwebs
- Migration patterns:
- Non-migrant
- Migratory patterns:
- Non-migrant
- Age related changes:
- None known
- Prey capture method:
- Gleaning and hawking
- Conservation efforts:
- Conservation programs in place, including predator control and habitat restoration
- Territorial behavior:
- Defends feeding territories
- Reproductive behavior:
- Monogamous, often returning to same breeding site each year
- Special dietary needs:
- None known
- Clutch characteristics:
- 2-4 eggs
- Interaction with other species:
- Occasionally interacts with other bird species
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
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.
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