New Zealand Bellbird
Anthornis melanura
Also known as: Bellbird
About This Species
A honeyeater endemic to New Zealand's native forests and scrub, known for its rich, bell-like song that is often one of the first sounds heard at dawn in native bush. It feeds on nectar, fruit and insects, frequently visiting flowering flax and rata as well as garden feeders near forest edges. Most vocal and visible at dawn and dusk, and easiest to see where predator control has allowed populations to recover, including several offshore island sanctuaries.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- A normal birdwatching distance of several metres from feeding or perched birds is generally appropriate, as this species is often confiding in predator-free sanctuaries, but avoid approaching nests directly.
- New Zealand's Wildlife Act protects native birds and their nests throughout the country, with additional biosecurity rules in force on many island sanctuaries where it thrives, so follow posted sanctuary guidance closely.
- Keeping to formed tracks in these reserves both protects the habitat and gives the best views.
LCAvesPasseriformesMeliphagidae
Seasonal Activity
173,039 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Meliphagidae
Photo
Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons
CC-BY-SA-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.