Whitehead

Look high in the forest canopy for noisy, fast-moving flocks. The nearest birds are at Tāwharanui.

Not resident on Kawau. A sighting here would be very unusual.

Story

Whiteheads disappeared from the northern North Island and many Hauraki Gulf islands in the late 1800s. Birds from Hauturu have since been moved to Tiritiri Matangi, Motuora, Rangitoto and Tāwharanui, but not to Kawau.

Behaviour

Noisy flocks of up to eight birds move acrobatically through the canopy, calling constantly. Breeding is cooperative, with helpers assisting the main pair. They are reluctant fliers.