The New Zealand bellbird, also known by its Māori language names korimako, makomako and kōmako, is a medium-sized species of honeyeater endemic to New Zealand. It has been the only living member of the genus Anthornis since the Chatham bellbird went extinct in the early 20th century. The bellbird's closest living relative is the only other New Zealand honeyeater, the tūī. The bellbird forms a significant component of the famed New Zealand dawn chorus of birdsong, which was much noted by early European settlers. Exceptional singing abilities were already observed by Captain James Cook, who described its song as "like small bells most exquisitely tuned".
Region
New Zealand Archipelago
Typical Environment
Widespread in native and regenerating forest, shrubland, and on predator-free offshore islands; also common in parks and gardens near bush. Prefers forest edges, gullies, and flowering stands where nectar is abundant. Regularly visits suburban plantings of flax and other nectar sources. In winter it concentrates at reliable food plants and may move locally to follow flowering and fruiting.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A celebrated voice of the New Zealand dawn chorus, the bellbird produces clear, bell-like notes that early explorers compared to finely tuned chimes. It is a key pollinator of native plants such as kōwhai, flax (harakeke), rātā and pōhutukawa, using a brush-tipped tongue to lap nectar. After historical declines from introduced predators, many populations have rebounded on predator-managed mainland sites and offshore islands. Both sexes sing, with males delivering the louder, more complex song.
Illustration of male (right) and female bellbirds by J. G. Keulemans, 1888
Illustration of the bellbird by Charles Heaphy, 1853
Juvenile bellbird perched on a twig
Male bellbird on a kōwhai tree, Banks Peninsula
Bellbird (male) feeding on honey bush, an exotic plant. The pollen on its forehead will help pollinate other flowers.
Bellbird (male) feeding on honeydew on the trunk of a mountain beech tree, Craigieburn Forest
Juvenile bellbird standing on a branch (Zealandia, Wellington)
Female bellbird (Tiritiri Matangi)
Walter Lawry Buller was one of the first ornithologists to mention a steep decline in bellbird numbers in the 1860s
The tree-climbing ship rat is a frequent predator of bellbirds.
Attaching tracking transmitter and antenna to a bellbird, Zealandia wildlife sanctuary, Wellington
Stoat, a predator of bellbirds
A snare called tuke was used by Māori to catch bellbirds.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically pairs or small family groups during breeding; males defend territories vigorously with song and chases. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in shrubs or trees; clutches usually contain 2–4 eggs. Outside the breeding season, birds often gather loosely at rich nectar or fruit sources.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A rich, ringing series of bell-like notes interspersed with whistles and chiming phrases, especially prominent at dawn. Calls include sharp chinks and liquid notes, and both sexes can sing, with males producing louder, more elaborate sequences.
