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Stitchbird
Stitchbird
Stitchbird
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Stitchbird
Male in typical 'tail cocked' stance
Female
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Infraorder: Passerides
Family: Notiomystidae
Driskell et al., 2007
Genus: Notiomystis
Richmond, 1908
Species:
N. cincta
Binomial name
Notiomystis cincta
(Du Bus, 1839)
  Islands and sanctuaries where stitchbirds are present

The stitchbird or hihi (Notiomystis cincta) is a honeyeater-like bird endemic to the North Island and adjacent offshore islands of New Zealand. Its evolutionary relationships have long puzzled ornithologists, but it is now classed as the only member of its own family, the Notiomystidae. It is rare, being extirpated everywhere except Little Barrier Island, but has been reintroduced to two other island sanctuaries and four locations on the North Island mainland.[2] Current population estimations for mature individuals in the wild are 2,500–3,400.[3]

In addition to hihi, the stitchbird is also known by a number of other Māori names, including: tihi, ihi, tihe, kotihe, tiora, tiheora, tioro, kotihe-wera (male only), hihi-paka (male only), hihi-matakiore (female only), mata-kiore (female only), tihe-kiore (female only).[4]

Taxonomy and systematics

[edit]

The stitchbird was originally described as a member of the primarily Australian and New Guinean honeyeater family Meliphagidae. It had remained classified as such until recently. Genetic analysis shows that it is not closely related to the honeyeaters and their allies and that its closest living relatives are within the endemic New Zealand Callaeidae.[5][6][7] In 2007 a new passerine family was erected to contain the stitchbird, the Notiomystidae.[6][8]

Description

[edit]

The stitchbird is a small honeyeater-like bird. Males have a dark velvety cap and short white ear-tufts, which can be raised somewhat away from the head. A yellow band across the chest separates the black head from the rest of the body, which is grey. Females and juveniles are duller than males, lacking the black head and yellow chest band. The bill is rather thin and somewhat curved, and the tongue is long with a brush at the end for collecting nectar. Thin whiskers project out and slightly forward from the base of the bill.

Stitchbirds are very active and call frequently. Their most common call, a tzit tzit sound, is believed to be the source of their common name, as Buller noted that it "has a fanciful resemblance to the word stitch".[9] They also have a high-pitched whistle and an alarm call which is a nasal pek like a bellbird. Males give a piercing three-note whistle (often heard in spring) and a variety of other calls not given by the female.

Behaviour and ecology

[edit]

Research has suggested that they face interspecific competition from the tūī and New Zealand bellbird, and will feed from lower-quality food sources when these species are present. The stitchbird rarely lands on the ground and seldom visits flowers on the large canopy trees favoured by the tūī and bellbird (this may simply be because of the competition from the more aggressive, larger birds).

Their main food is nectar, but the stitchbird's diet covers over twenty species of native flowers and thirty species of fruit and many species of introduced plants. Important natural nectar sources are haekaro, matata, pūriri, rātā and toropapa. Preferred fruits include Coprosma species, five finger, pate, tree fuchsia and raukawa.

The stitchbird also supplements its diet with small insects.

Breeding

[edit]

The stitchbird nests in cavities high up in old trees.[10] They are the only bird species that mates face to face,[11] in comparison to the more conventional copulation style for birds where the male mounts the female's back.[12] Stitchbird have some of the highest levels of extra-pair paternity of any bird with up to 79% of the chicks in the nest sired by other males, possibly as a result of forced copulations.[13]

Status and conservation

[edit]

The stitchbird was relatively common early in the European colonisation of New Zealand, and began to decline relatively quickly afterwards, being extinct on the mainland and many offshore islands by 1885. The last sighting on the mainland was in the Tararua Range in the 1880s.[14] The exact cause of the decline is unknown, but is thought to be pressure from introduced species, especially black rats, and introduced avian diseases. Only a small population on Little Barrier Island survived. Starting in the 1980s the New Zealand Wildlife Service (now Department of Conservation) translocated numbers of individuals from Hauturu to other island sanctuaries to create separate populations. These islands were part of New Zealand's network of offshore reserves which have been cleared of introduced species and which protect other rare species including the kākāpō and takahē.

The world population is unknown; estimates for the size of the remnant population on Hauturu (Little Barrier Island) range from 600 to 6000 adult birds.[15] There are also translocated populations on Tiritiri Matangi Island, Kapiti Island, Zealandia, Maungatautari, Bushy Park and Lake Rotokare.[2] Attempts to establish populations on Hen Island, Cuvier Island and Mokoia Island and the Waitākere Ranges failed.[16] Reintroduction to these new sites has created genetic bottlenecks that have reduced genetic diversity in the newly founded populations and led to inbreeding.[17]

The Tiritiri Matangi population is one of the most successful reintroduced populations with relatively fast population growth and now stable at around 150 individuals.[18] Despite this, high levels of hatching failure (around 30% of all eggs fail to hatch) occur due to inbreeding.[19] Only the Little Barrier Island population (Te Hauturu-o-Toi) is self-sufficient and does not require intervention for the population to survive.[17] This species is classified as Vulnerable (D2) by the IUCN[1] because of its very small range and number of populations.

Reintroduction

[edit]

In 2005, 60 stitchbirds were released into Zealandia (wildlife sanctuary) in Wellington and in October that year, three stitchbird chicks hatched there, the first time for more than 120 years that a stitchbird chick had been born on the mainland. The hatchings were described as a significant conservation milestone by sanctuary staff,[14] and in early 2019 Zealandia banded their 1000th hihi chick although the adult population is believed to remain at about 100 birds.[20]

In autumn 2007, 59 adult birds from the Tiritiri Matangi population were released in Cascade Kauri Park, in the Waitākere Ranges near Auckland[21][22] and by the end of the year the first chicks had fledged there.[21]

In 2017, 40 birds were released into the Lake Rotokare Scenic Reserve in Taranaki, with 17 chicks raised.[23] A further 30 were released in 2018.[23]

[edit]
  • Male Hihi
    Male Hihi
  • Female in typical 'tail cocked' stance
    Female in typical 'tail cocked' stance
  • Hihi chicks in nest
    Hihi chicks in nest
  • Face-to-face hihi mating
    Face-to-face hihi mating
  • The extinct North Island subspecies
    The extinct North Island subspecies

References

[edit]

Sources

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Stitchbird

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Stitchbird (Notiomystis cincta), also known as the hihi, is a medium-sized bird endemic to and the sole in the family Notiomystidae. Weighing 30–36.5 grams, it features a slender, down-curved blackish bill and a wren-like cocked tail; adult males are strikingly patterned with a black head, prominent white ear tufts, a bright yellow collar and shoulder band, a white wing bar, and greyish-brown underparts, while females and juveniles are more subdued in greyish-brown plumage with a white wing bar. Once widespread across New Zealand's and offshore islands, the Stitchbird suffered a severe decline following European colonization due to , predation by introduced mammals such as rats and cats, , and diseases, leading to its extinction on the mainland by 1883 and survival only on predator-free (Te Hautūru-o-Toi). Conservation efforts since the , including predator eradication on and translocations to seven other sanctuary sites such as , , and , have supported population recovery, with an estimated 2,500–3,400 mature individuals as of 2020. The species is classified as Vulnerable on the due to its small, fragmented population and ongoing threats, and as Threatened–Nationally Vulnerable under New Zealand's threat classification system. The Stitchbird inhabits mature native temperate forests at elevations up to 750 meters, where it forages primarily in the mid-canopy for , fruits, and arthropods, often using supplementary sugar-water feeders at translocation sites to aid establishment. Its vocalizations include a sharp "titch" warning call and whistled songs by males, while breeding occurs in spring and summer with females building deep cup nests in tree cavities or provided nest boxes, laying 1–5 eggs per (average 3) over up to four attempts per season. The species exhibits a complex polygynandrous , with males with multiple females and unique face-to-face copulation, and both parents contribute to chick feeding, though populations require intensive to mitigate risks like and diseases such as .

Taxonomy

Classification

The Stitchbird (Notiomystis cincta Du Bus de Gisignies, 1839) is the only in the Notiomystis Richmond, 1908, within the order Passeriformes. The has two recognized : the nominate N. c. cincta (extinct on the mainland by around 1885) and N. c. hautura (endemic to ). Historically placed in the honeyeater family Meliphagidae due to superficial similarities in morphology and behavior, the Stitchbird's taxonomic position was revised following molecular phylogenetic analyses. In 2007, Driskell et al. established the monotypic family Notiomystidae for Notiomystis, based on DNA sequence data from mitochondrial and nuclear genes that demonstrated its distinct evolutionary lineage. Phylogenetically, the Stitchbird is most closely related to the wattlebirds of the family Callaeidae (e.g., the saddleback Philesturnus carunculatus), forming a within the superfamily Callaeoidea that diverged from other oscine passerines approximately 33.8 million years ago during the . This separation highlights its ancient endemic radiation in , separate from the true honeyeaters (Meliphagidae), to which congeners like the tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae) and bellbird (Anthornis melanura) belong. The binomial name reflects early observations of the bird's morphology and : Notiomystis combines Greek notios ("southern") and mystis ("mystery" or "secret"), alluding to its puzzling affinities as a southern endemic, while cincta is Latin for "girdled," referring to the distinctive yellow pectoral band.

The common English name "stitchbird" originates from the bird's characteristic alarm call, a rapid series of high-pitched "tzit-tzit" notes that early observers likened to the sound of a stitching cloth. This onomatopoeic derivation was noted by 19th-century naturalists, emphasizing the vocalization's quality rather than any behavioral trait related to weaving or fabrication. The name "hihi" translates to "rays of the sun" or "sunbeams," alluding to the vivid yellow shoulder patches on adult males that gleam like shafts of as the flits through dappled forest canopy. This descriptive term highlights the ' striking and its association with light and warmth in indigenous , distinct from onomatopoeic origins. No significant alternative common names exist beyond regional variants such as "tihe" or "kotihe," which share similar phonetic and cultural roots without introducing synonyms. The species' original scientific binomial was established as Meliphaga cincta by Belgian naturalist Bernard Du Bus de Gisignies in 1839, based on a type specimen collected from Dusky Sound in southwestern New Zealand's region. The genus name Meliphaga reflects its initial classification among honeyeaters, while cincta (Latin for "girdled" or "belted") describes the bird's distinctive yellow collar-like band. In 1908, American ornithologist Charles Wallace Richmond reassigned it to the monotypic genus Notiomystis, acknowledging its unique morphological traits separate from typical honeyeaters. Early European documentation of the hihi, including its Māori name and local observations, appears in explorer Dieffenbach's 1843 travel accounts, which cataloged New Zealand's avifauna and noted the bird's presence in northern forests. In Māori oral traditions, the hihi holds cultural resonance through linking it to the Māui, who purportedly scorched the bird's feathers in fire as punishment for refusing to aid him after capturing the sun, thus explaining its bold coloration as a mark of solar affinity.

Description

Physical characteristics

The Stitchbird (Notiomystis cincta) is a medium-sized measuring 18 cm in length, with adult males weighing 29–42 g and females 26–35 g. Its wingspan is approximately 20 cm, based on wing chord measurements of 92–104 mm. The overall build is slender, with a moderately long tail that is often held cocked, contributing to its wren-like appearance. Adult males display pronounced in , featuring a glossy black head and throat, conspicuous ear-tufts that can be raised, a bright yellow pectoral band across the chest and shoulders, a greyish- back and underparts, and bold wing-bars. Females are duller overall, with a head lacking but possessing a tiny tuft, no yellow band, greyish- upperparts, and streaked or mottled underparts with a wing-bar. Juveniles closely resemble females in coloration but possess shorter bills relative to adults, and a grey-black bill with a yellow-orange basal area on the lower . The is slender, slightly down-curved, and blackish, measuring 15–18 mm in length, an suited for probing flowers during -feeding. Like true honeyeaters, the Stitchbird has a long, brush-tipped tongue adapted for feeding, though it belongs to a distinct . The feet are strong and adapted for perching in canopies. Flight is agile and maneuverable but typically limited to short distances between perches.

Vocalizations

The Stitchbird (Notiomystis cincta) produces a diverse repertoire of high-pitched vocalizations, with males possessing at least seven distinct types and females five, many of which are quieter and audible only within a few meters; both sexes share at least eight additional calls. Alarm calls are sharp and repetitive, often described as a rapid "titch" or "stitch-stitch" series that accelerates with increasing agitation, serving as territorial warnings. Contact calls include soft, high-pitched whistles such as "tsi-tsi" or single-note variants, used for pair and individual communication while . Male songs consist of short, warbling phrases of 2–3 high-pitched notes, delivered from perches during the breeding season for territorial defense and mate attraction, with individual repertoires averaging 15 unique types and lasting up to several seconds. These songs exhibit subtle structural variations that allow for individual recognition, but show no evidence of complex duets or vocal . Acoustic analysis reveals frequencies primarily in the 5–20 kHz range, with females producing quieter versions differing in and context-specific intensity compared to males.

Distribution and habitat

Historical range

Prior to European arrival, the stitchbird (Notiomystis cincta) was widespread throughout the of , inhabiting mature forests from coastal lowlands to montane elevations up to approximately 750 meters, as well as adjacent offshore islands including Great Barrier, Little Barrier, and Kapiti. Subfossil remains discovered at sites such as North Cape further indicate that its historical distribution extended to the northern extremities of the , suggesting a broader past range than observed in early European records. There is limited evidence of significant population decline during the period of settlement around 1300 AD, though general modifications from human activity may have contributed modestly to localized changes; the remained abundant across its range in pre-European times. By the early , stitchbirds were still relatively common in forests, with the first European reports noting their presence in the in 1835. The species underwent rapid decline during the European era, primarily between the 1860s and 1880s, due to widespread and the introduction of mammalian predators. By the 1870s, stitchbirds had disappeared from the mainland north of the , with the last confirmed mainland sighting occurring in the Tararua Range in 1883. The population became extinct on the mainland by 1885, surviving only on , which was established as a reserve in 1894.

Current range

The Stitchbird currently occupies a highly restricted range, confined to the remnant wild population on Hauturu (Little Barrier Island), a 28 km² predator-free offshore island in the , where it has persisted stably since predator eradication efforts in the 1980s. This isolation stems from a severe historical decline that eliminated the species from much of its former distribution. Introduced populations have been established on several other offshore islands and mainland sanctuaries equipped with predator-proof fencing, including Tiritiri Matangi Island, Kapiti Island, Zealandia in Wellington, Maungatautari Ecological Restoration Trust, Bushy Park near Whanganui, Rotokare Scenic Reserve, and Shakespear Regional Park. These sites replicate suitable forest conditions to support the species' persistence outside its natural stronghold. The Stitchbird inhabits native podocarp-broadleaf forests, favoring mature stands that offer abundant nectar sources such as species of (e.g., northern rātā) and , along with fruit and resources, typically at elevations between 0 and 800 m. On Hauturu, it thrives in mixed tawa-rātā and tawa-tāwhero forests, while introduced sites often include regenerating broadleaf woodlands supplemented by nest boxes in less mature areas. Within these habitats, the Stitchbird shows a preference for the canopy and layers, where it forages arboreally and avoids ground-level activity, nesting primarily in natural tree cavities of mature hardwoods like puriri and pōhutukawa. Adapted to New Zealand's , the species relies on seasonal flowering cycles for availability, moving through strata to exploit periodic blooms.

Behaviour and ecology

Diet and foraging

The stitchbird's primary diet consists of , which forms the bulk of its intake during periods of high floral availability, supplemented by and arthropods. accounts for up to 80% of feeding observations in spring on , derived mainly from native plants such as northern rātā (Metrosideros robusta), pōhutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa), and species including haekaro (P. crassifolium) and kohuhu (P. umbellatum). comprises around 10–30% of the diet annually, with preferred sources including Coprosma spp., mahoe (), and pātē (), while arthropods make up 10–30%, primarily like beetles (Coleoptera), caterpillars, and spiders gleaned from foliage. Foraging behavior involves agile gleaning from flowers, leaves, and twigs in the forest and mid-canopy, where the probes blossoms with its slightly down-curved bill and extracts using a long, brush-tipped . It occasionally hovers briefly to access blooms and supplements its diet with , lerps, and honeydew when available, but avoids ground-feeding entirely, focusing on arboreal resources. The bill's aids in reaching into small, tubular flowers, while the tongue's structure allows efficient collection of . Daily nectar consumption can reach up to 20% of the bird's body weight, providing essential sugars for energy, with proteins obtained from arthropods. Seasonal variations in diet reflect resource availability, with peaking in spring and summer (August–December) when flowers are abundant, shifting toward greater reliance on and during winter (January–July). In winter, increases to meet protein needs, though overall intake may decline due to scarcer resources. Competition with more dominant nectarivores like the (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae) and bellbird (Anthornis melanura) influences , as stitchbirds are behaviorally subordinate and often resort to lower-quality or less accessible sources in their presence.

Breeding biology

The breeding season of the stitchbird (Notiomystis cincta) occurs from or to or , aligning with the spring and summer months in when food resources peak. Females typically lay of 2–5 eggs, with an average of around 3–4 eggs per attempt, and clutch size often decreases in subsequent broods within a season. Pairs or social groups may produce 1–2 broods per season, though second broods are less common and often less successful, particularly in unsupplemented populations. Nests are constructed primarily by the in natural tree cavities or artificial nest boxes, often at heights of 2–10 meters, using a base of sticks up to 40 cm high topped with a cup lined with fine materials such as feathers, ponga scales, and . While males may occasionally contribute materials or assist in , nest building and incubation are predominantly female tasks, with incubation lasting 13–19 days (mean 15.75 days) beginning after the clutch is complete. The stitchbird exhibits a flexible mating system, including social monogamy, polygyny, polyandry, and polygynandry, but is characterized by frequent extra-pair copulations that result in high levels of extra-pair paternity. Copulation is unique among passerines in occurring face-to-face, often resisted by females, with extra-pair paternity affecting up to 75% of chicks in some nests and an overall rate of about 46% across broods, meaning many offspring are unrelated to the social male. Male songs and displays may play a role in attracting mates or defending territories during this period. Chicks hatch after the incubation period and remain in the nest for 28–34 days before fledging, after which they remain dependent on parental provisioning for 2–3 weeks, with both parents feeding initially and males often continuing support longer. Hatching success in wild populations varies but typically ranges from 50–70%, with lower rates (around 30–50% in some cases) attributed to factors like or mortality. In small, isolated populations, further reduces offspring viability, particularly affecting male embryos and nestlings through increased mortality rates.

Social behaviour

The stitchbird (Notiomystis cincta) exhibits a primarily monogamous , with pairs forming seasonally and defending territories averaging 0.3–1 ha in size, though some occurs when males mate with multiple females. Outside the breeding season, individuals often join loose flocks of 5–10 birds, facilitating social interactions and resource sharing in non-reproductive periods. Pair bonds typically persist for multiple seasons, with males returning to the same nesting sites annually to maintain stability. Territoriality is strongly expressed by males, who aggressively defend their mates and core areas, primarily within a 30 m around the female, using vocalizations such as one-, two-, or three-note calls that intensify during intrusions. Displays include raising the head and tail feathers (tail-cocking) and wing-waving to deter rivals, with physical confrontations involving chasing and occasional pecking or being rare but effective in repelling extra-pair males. These behaviors peak during the female's fertile period, reducing territory size temporarily due to heightened intruder pressure. In interactions with conspecifics, territorial males show high aggression toward floaters seeking extra-pair copulations, while competition with other nectarivores like the bellbird (Anthornis melanura) involves displacement at feeding sites, though coexistence is possible through resource partitioning. Predator evasion relies minimally on , with individuals using alarm calls to alert others rather than coordinated group defenses. The species is sedentary with no seasonal migration, but juveniles disperse short distances, typically under 1 km, though some move up to several kilometers to establish . Longevity reaches up to 10 years in the wild, with few individuals surviving beyond 7 years, supporting sustained pair bonds over multiple breeding attempts.

Conservation

Population status and threats

The global population of the stitchbird (Notiomystis cincta) is estimated at approximately 2,500 mature individuals as of 2025, with the species classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to its restricted range and small population size. Approximately 80% of this population resides on Hauturu/, the species' sole natural stronghold, while the remainder occurs in smaller, translocated groups across managed sites in New Zealand's . The population has remained stable overall as of 2025, though it continues to face ongoing risks that could reverse this trend. Historically, the stitchbird was widespread across New Zealand's forests but declined rapidly following European colonization, reaching near-extinction by 1883 due to the combined impacts of and introduced predators. In reintroduced populations, genetic bottlenecks persist, resulting from small founder groups and limited , which exacerbate vulnerability to environmental stresses. Primary threats to the stitchbird include predation by introduced mammals such as black rats (Rattus rattus) and stoats (Mustela erminea), which target eggs, chicks, and adults, particularly in cavity nests. Habitat loss from historical has fragmented remaining forests, limiting suitable nectar-rich areas essential for foraging. Diseases, including and infections, pose additional risks, especially in dense island populations where pathogens can spread rapidly via contaminated or water. Competition from more aggressive bird species for resources, combined with in translocated sites with reduced genetic diversity—further reduces reproductive success and juvenile survival. In 2025, a record 277 fledglings were produced at , signaling local population growth in this translocated site and contributing to broader recovery efforts, yet the species retains its Vulnerable status due to persistent threats across its range. Annual censuses in unmanaged or partially managed sites reveal population declines, attributed mainly to unchecked predation and disease, underscoring the need for continued vigilance.

Conservation efforts

The Stitchbird (Notiomystis cincta), also known as hihi, has been classified as Vulnerable on the since 1994 due to its restricted range and ongoing threats. In , it is listed as Nationally Vulnerable under the , last assessed in 2021. These designations have driven targeted conservation strategies led by the Department of Conservation (DOC). Key initiatives focus on habitat protection and population support. Predator eradication efforts on offshore islands, such as the removal of introduced mammals from Te Hauturu-o-Toi/ in the , have been foundational in securing the ' sole natural stronghold. Supplementary feeding with sugar-water solutions addresses seasonal shortages, enhancing adult survival and breeding success in managed sites. provision has similarly boosted breeding rates by mitigating competition for natural cavities in restored forests. Genetic management emphasizes maintaining diversity through strategic translocations between populations, which help counteract in small groups. trials have been explored but achieved limited success due to high stress and low reproduction rates in confinement. Overarching policy is guided by recovery plans and strategies for the species. involvement is integral, with holding guardianship () over Te Hauturu-o-Toi/, incorporating into monitoring and protection efforts. Recent advances include expanded volunteer and collaborations for population monitoring as of 2025, alongside post-2020 research on disease resistance to better equip birds against pathogens like . These efforts face challenges, including climate change-induced reductions in nectar-producing food sources.

Reintroduction programs

Reintroduction efforts for the stitchbird (Notiomystis cincta), also known as hihi, began in the 1980s with translocations from the source population on Hauturu/ to several offshore islands, including the Hen and Chickens Islands, Cuvier Island, and Mokoia Island. These early attempts largely failed due to the presence of introduced predators such as rats and ship rats, which caused high mortality rates shortly after release, leading to population extinctions within a few years. Similarly, a 2007 translocation to the on the mainland failed because of incursion by ship rats, which preyed on adults and nests despite initial predator control efforts. Subsequent programs incorporated intensive management to improve outcomes, with key successes established at multiple sites starting in the early . The first major translocation to occurred in 1991, followed by additional releases of 51 birds in 1995 and 1996; with ongoing support, the population has grown to approximately 250 individuals as of 2025, including a record 277 fledglings in the 2024–2025 breeding season. Translocations to began in 1991, involving over 100 birds through the ; after initial declines due to food scarcity and disease, supplementary feeding stabilized the population at around 30–50 birds as of recent estimates. In 2005, 60 birds were released into (formerly Wildlife Sanctuary) in , where the first mainland chicks hatched that same year, establishing a self-sustaining group of about 50 individuals as of 2025. Further successes include the 2006 release to near , which developed into a small managed population of 20–30 birds, and the 2007 translocation to Ecological Restoration Sanctuary, where numbers reached 40–50 by the 2010s through reinforced releases. More recently, 30 birds were released at Lake Rotokare Scenic Reserve in 2017–2018, totaling around 70 individuals, with 17 chicks fledging in 2017 alone, contributing to a stable population of approximately 50 birds. An additional site, Shakespear Regional Park, received 40 birds in 2020, marking a return to Auckland's mainland, with subsequent breeding recorded. Translocation methods typically involve capturing healthy birds from Hauturu/Little Barrier Island using mist nets or traps, followed by veterinary checks for parasites and diseases. Genetic screening is conducted to maintain diversity and avoid inbreeding, with pedigree analysis ensuring a mix of local and immigrant ancestry to enhance long-term viability. Post-release, birds are monitored via radio-tracking, nest checks, and resighting surveys, with supportive measures including nectar feeding stations to supplement natural resources, artificial nest boxes to reduce competition, and miticide sprays to control tracheal mites. By , these efforts have resulted in 8 self-sustaining populations across the reintroduction sites, with an estimated 500–600 adult birds translocated in total since the . First-year rates vary from 40% to 70%, influenced by availability and predator control efficacy, while establishment is generally defined by maintaining 50 or more breeding pairs for at least five years. No major new sites were established between 2023 and 2025, but reinforcements continued, such as the relocation of 40 fledglings from Tiritiri Matangi to other sanctuaries in to bolster and population resilience.

References

  1. https://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/stitchbird
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  3. https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/stitchbird/
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  7. https://www.publish.csiro.au/zo/fulltext/ZO07007
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  9. https://img.scoop.co.nz/media/pdfs/1309/Birds_of_NZ_Stitchbird_entry.pdf
  10. https://teara.govt.nz/en/1966/stitchbird
  11. https://teara.govt.nz/en/nga-manu-birds/page-6
  12. https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/society-publications/checklist/passeriformes-perching-birds/
  13. https://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/object/1814872
  14. https://app.birda.org/species-guide/19676/Stitchbird
  15. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/248900240_Sex_age_and_season_influence_morphometrics_in_the_New_Zealand_Stitchbird_or_Hihi_Notiomystis_cincta
  16. https://www.oiseaux-birds.com/card-stitchbird.html
  17. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.stitch1.01
  18. https://xeno-canto.org/species/Notiomystis-cincta
  19. https://edepot.wur.nl/692844
  20. https://academic.oup.com/beheco/article-pdf/28/4/1085/19490823/arx072.pdf
  21. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320024870_Geographic_patterns_of_song_variation_reveal_timing_of_song_acquisition_in_a_wild_avian_population
  22. https://www.doc.govt.nz/documents/science-and-technical/tsrp20.pdf
  23. https://www.doc.govt.nz/documents/science-and-technical/tsrp54.pdf
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  27. https://mro.massey.ac.nz/bitstream/10179/4115/1/02_whole.pdf
  28. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4515105/
  29. https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/2230/pdf
  30. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/B:COGE.0000031146.51681.b0
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  32. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39186647/
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  34. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2982255/
  35. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4561569/
  36. https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acv.12296
  37. https://www.anz.com.au/newsroom/new-zealand/2025/01/hihi-conservation-effort-continues-to-celebrate-small-victories/
  38. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1755-0998.13823
  39. https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/05/hihi-fly-the-coop-after-record-breaking-breeding-season/
  40. https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/science-and-technical/nztcs36entire.pdf
  41. https://www.hihiconservation.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Hihi-Best-Practice-Guide-July-2018-small.pdf
  42. https://iucn-ctsg.org/wp-content/uploads/publications/14_2013_Hihi_NewZealand.pdf
  43. https://www.hihiconservation.com/the-bird/conservation/
  44. https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/1365-2664.12150
  45. https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2025-media-releases/it-takes-a-village-hihi-spread-their-wings-after-record-breaking-breeding-season/
  46. https://www.localmatters.co.nz/opinion/environment-tiritiri-matangi-helps-hihi-back-to-life/
  47. https://www.visitzealandia.com/news-stories/20-years-of-hihi-at-zealandia/
  48. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/whanganui-chronicle/news/little-hihi-birds-released-at-new-bushy-park-home/FS4OMXZ5AHIBNOCCKLOPW4AUDY/
  49. https://www.islandconservation.org/reintroduction-efforts-bring-hihi-back-mainland-new-zealand/
  50. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoL1VI45X2k
  51. https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/122021661/40-hihi-released-at-shakespear-regional-park-marking-return-to-auckland-mainland
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