The Whitehead or Pōpokotea (Mohoua albicilla) is a small bird that is endemic to New Zealand. It is about 15 cm long and weighs in at approximately 18.5to 14.5 g. It is not hard to see where it got its 'English' common name.
This species has white underparts and head, with a contrasting black bill, eyes and legs and pale brown upper parts. It lives in groups in the high canopy of forests and scrub of the North Island: so I was pleased to see it in lower vegetation on a predator free island near Auckland.
Give how dark it was when I took these pictures - winter, rain, tree canopy overhead - I am pleased with them.
As ever, to join in with WBW click the link below. SM
Hi Stewart, nice photos of these birds. Here is the weather dark too. Have a nice day. Greets.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteCharmer! YAM xx
Despite conditions, you got some great shots of that little beauty.
ReplyDeleteLooks so graceful
ReplyDeleteA lovely little bird Stewart, Thanks for hosting and commenting. Have a great week ahead
ReplyDeleteLoved meeting this sweet new bird. Thank you Stewart aloha
ReplyDeleteNew Zealand seems more appealing every time you post one of their birds.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful little bird and great photos especially as you say it was dark. Cheers Diane
ReplyDeleteHello Stewart :)
ReplyDeleteGreat captures of the Whitehead even in difficult lighting. A charming little bird.
All the best
Sonjia.
I love the atmosphere in these pictures..Sweet little bird...I have no new birds to share Stewart..All the best, Missy..
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic sighting of the Whitehead! It's wonderful that you were able to catch this beautiful endemic species despite the challenging conditions. The contrast between its pale underparts and dark features must have stood out beautifully, even in the low light. Your perseverance in tough conditions paid off, and it's great to see such a rare bird so clearly.
ReplyDeleteI just shared a new post you are invited to read: https://www.melodyjacob.com/2025/03/devils-pulpit-finnich-glen-liars-spring-outlander.html
Have a lovely Thursday!
These are beautiful photos of this pretty bird. Love the colors!
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty little bird -- this is a new bird for me to learn about , (as with all your beautiful birds that I will never see in real life.) I imagine it is very hard to photograph.
ReplyDeletea little bird looks so pretty...
ReplyDeletegreat shots