Male Stitchbird, Mount Bruce
The stitchbird/hihi (Notiomystis cincta) is one of New Zealand’s rarest birds. A medium-sized forest species, hihi compete with tui and bellbirds for nectar, insects and small fruits.
But apart from diet, hihi share few qualities with tui and bellbird, which are members of the honeyeater family. Recent DNA analysis has shown that hihi are in fact the sole representative of another bird family found only in New Zealand whose closest relatives may be the iconic wattlebirds that include kokako, saddleback and the extinct huia.
Did you know hihi are the sole representative of a bird family found only in NZ? Learn more about hihi in this section.
The threats to hihi are numerous. Find out how this endangered bird is now faring.
DOC's recovery plan for hihi/stitchbird includes building five self-sustaining populations. Learn what other ways DOC is working to protect this endangered species.
Learn ways you can become involved in hihi conservation.
Watch a video about the stitchbird or hihi, one of New Zealand's rarest birds, and the sole representative of a bird family found only in New Zealand.
Hihi are one of NZ's rarest birds, and became extinct on the mainland over a hundred years ago. Luckily, the island of Hauturu remained free from most predators, and has been a lifeboat for their survival.
Find out about Little Barrier Island (Hauturu)Pukaha Mount Bruce website www.mtbruce.org.nz
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary www.sanctuary.org.nz
Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz
New Zealand National Parks and Conservation Foundationwww.nationalparks.org.nz
DOC HOTline - 24 hour emergency number
Phone 0800 DOCHOTline (0800 362 468) to report:
Sick or injured wildlifeWhale or dolphin strandings
