Yellowhead

Mohoua

Mohoua ochrocephala

Sometimes called “The Bush Canary” this name will be instantly understood when hearing their mellow song and seeing their distinctive plumage. We generally see them in flocks, sometime quite large, especially late summer when family groups seem to come together. There seems to be good reason to think they may occasionally be polygamous, and I’ve certainly seen behaviour while adults are feeding young that might support this … what appeared to be several different adults feeding a single chick in quick succession.  I’ve only ever sen them feeding on insects, which they find both on the trunks, branches and leaves of trees, but will also hunt for on the forest floor, scritching like domestic hens.

Size 150 mm