A powerful, melodic, and overwhelmingly chaotic scene — Written by Te Korowai o Waiheke Team Member

A huff of olive green streaks past me, bouncing back and forth between the mahoe. He is electric with energy as his plumage stands on end, the males surrounding all decorated with the same round and ruffled shape.

Their calls are powerful and melodic, the scene is overwhelmingly chaotic as the hopping and whistling continues in circles through the branches. At the centre of it all, a dull, brown bird waits patiently, revelling in the endless flattery. She observes the boys and their wide, wine-coloured eyes embedded in purple blushed cheeks. Korimako sure know how to make an impression.

Though relatively uncommon in Tāmaki Makaurau, bellbirds (korimako) are widespread throughout Aotearoa. They are abundant on predator-free islands such as Tiritiri Matangi, the Poor Knights and Tāwharanui Regional Park. Korimako are nectar feeders, this means a lot of time hanging around sipping from flowers or picking off the odd small spider from the sides of trees. Bellbirds also have a very special relationship with a creature called the scale insect. These tiny bugs are the size of a pinhead, but are an important food source for bellbirds, tūī and silvereyes. From munching on the bark of beech trees, a bead of sweet liquid is produced from their anal glands, commonly known as ‘honeydew’ which seems to be quite a hit among the nectar feeders.

The dance continues, she can’t seem to make up her mind with all the attention she is getting, so she makes her departure. Probably for a moment of peace. While bellbirds are not a common backyard visitor on Waiheke, there have been a few lucky sightings, this fills me with good hope for the future. Beautiful manu like bellbirds making their way here from neighbouring islands on their own accord is an exciting step in the right direction. Someday soon these one-off records will be breeding pairs and growing populations, korimako will be a household name alongside kākā and kererū for the next generation.

- Written and captured by Te Korowai o Waiheke Team Member, Charlie Thomas.

Bellbird (Korimako) by Charlie Thomas