Hihi are striking, agile forest birds recognized by their sharp, clicking calls that resemble two stones tapping together. Males display vibrant yellow breast bands, dark velvety hoods, and erectile white ear tufts, which flare during courtship or aggressive boundary disputes. Uniquely among birds, they frequently mate face-to-face, a behavior found in no other avian species.
Diet & preyFlower nectar, Native berries, Spiders and small insects
Predators
Stoat (Mustela erminea)
Black Rat (Rattus rattus)
Morepork (Ninox novaeseelandiae)
ThreatsPredation by introduced mammalian predators (rats, stoats, cats), habitat loss, and vulnerability to avian diseases like Aspergillus
HabitatsDense mature native broadleaf and podocarp forests, particularly within predator-free sanctuaries and offshore islands
Life span6–10 years
Classification
FamilyNotiomystidae
SpeciesNotiomystis cincta
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
Low
Moderate
High
Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Look for a stocky, upright passerine with a cocked tail; males boast bold yellow shoulder bands and erectile white ear tufts, while females are warm grey-brown.
Support conservation
Maintain a respectful distance along established sanctuary paths, never use playback calls, and do not approach monitored nest boxes.
Responsible observation
Sanctuary etiquette: Visit pest-free reserves like Tiritiri Matangi or Zealandia to see them reliably near supplemental feeding stations.
Listen carefully: Track their distinctive, staccato 'tzit' call echoing from dense understory tangles.
Respect nesting boxes: Avoid lingering closely near marked wooden nest boxes installed along conservation trails.
