AVITOPIA - Stitchbirds

The only species of the family of Stitchbirds is endemic to the North Island of New Zealand. Until recently it was classified as a honeyeater, but has recently been given the status of a family of its own based on new genetic findings. Their body length is approx. 18 cm. Their tongue is brush-like and thus adapted to the intake of nectar. Males have significantly more colored plumage than females. The males have a pair of showy erect white tufts on each side of the head. Their habitat is the forest. They are largely diurnal and arborial. The warning call gave the bird its name in many languages. Their diet includes nectar, fruits and small invertebrates in varying proportions depending on availability. Hihis differ from honey-eaters in particular in that they breed in caves and that - unique in the bird world - they copulate face to face while the female lies on her back. The clutch size ranges from 2 to 6 eggs, which are incubated by the female alone. The chicks are altricial and stay in the nest for up to 32 days, where they are fed by both parents.