Chatham_bellbird

Chatham bellbird

Chatham bellbird

Extinct species of bird

The Chatham bellbird (Anthornis melanocephala) is an extinct species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It was endemic to the Chatham Islands.

Nest
Chatham Island bellbird (Anthornis melanocephala) specimen from the Auckland Museum collection.

Quick Facts Conservation status, Scientific classification ...

In appearance it was very similar to the New Zealand bellbird (Anthornis melanura) but was considerably larger. Also the whole of the head and neck was brightly glossed in purplish or steel-blue.[2]

It was last observed in 1906 on Little Mangere Island. The population was likely impacted by the introduction of a disease as there was a sudden population decline before the onset of other disturbances such as rats, cats and specimen collectors.

References

  1. [1]
    BirdLife International (2016). "Anthornis melanocephala". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22728814A94997726. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22728814A94997726.en. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  2. [2]
    A History of the Birds of New Zealand by Walter Buller, 1888


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