Anthornis melanocephala
The Chatham Islands Bellbird (Anthornis melanocephala) was an exquisite passerine of the honeyeater family (Meliphagidae), tragically lost to extinction by the early 20th century. Slightly larger than its mainland relative, the New Zealand Bellbird, it measured approximately 20 cm in length. Males sported a striking iridescent olive-green plumage, brightening to yellow on the belly, and were distinguished by a prominent, glossy black head—a feature from which its scientific name "melanocephal...
This species inhabited the dense native forests and shrublands of the Chatham Islands, ranging from sea level to the highest points of the islands. Its presence was entirely restricted to this remote island group.
Primarily a nectarivore, it also consumed insects and native fruits, utilizing its specialized brush-tipped tongue to probe flowers for sustenance.
Historical accounts suggest the Chatham Islands Bellbird likely shared many behavioral traits with its extant New Zealand relative. It was a diurnal forager, actively moving through the forest canopy and understory in search of nectar, insects, and fruit. Its exquisite, bell-like song was a hallm...
The Chatham Islands Bellbird was strictly endemic to the Chatham Islands archipelago, located approximately 800 kilometers east of mainland New Zealand. Its historical distribution encompassed the primary islands of the group, including Chatham Island (Rekohu) and Pitt Island (Rangiauria), where ...
Extinct
- The Chatham Islands Bellbird was last definitively observed in 1906, disappearing entirely shortly thereafter. - Its scientific name, Anthornis melanocephala, literally means "black-headed flower bird," referring to the male's distinctive dark head. - Early naturalists described its song as eve...