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Bellbird Facts The New Zealand bellbird or korimako Bellbirds have yellow-green to olive feathers with black wings and tail. The females are duller in colour than the males. They are able to fly well and distract predators by chasing them away. They make a whirring noise as they fly. Bellbirds nest from ground level to 15m up. Nests are well hidden behind creepers or in foliage. The female sometimes attacks trespassers in her area. At other times female birds will pretend to have a broken wing to attract predators towards her and away from her nest. The bellbird (korimako) is endemic to New Zealand. They are a member of the nectar feeders and related to the tui and stitchbirds. The song of the bellbird is loud and clear with bell-like notes. They sing alone or together and often ruffle out their feathers as they sing. Honey from flowers and honeydew is the bellbirds main source of food. They take the nectar using their curved bills. They feed on berries, especially in the autumn, and small invertebrates such as insects and arachnids (spiders). Bellbirds gather them from trees or catch them in mid-air.   Parts of a Bellbird Features Major Functions         E x t e r n a l Feathers Water proof Olive green to yellow Black wings and tail Courtship Gender differences Camouflage Warmth Carries pollen on head Wings Strong Versatile Decoy Whirring noise Displaying, courtship Distracting predators Flying, chasing Upright hovering Beak or Bill Slightly curved Black Nectar eating Insect gleaning Pollination of flowers Legs and Feet Legs ñgrey Claws ñ brown Perching Eggs 3-4 pink-white to pink 14 days to hatch Nest well hidden Located from ground level to 15m Reproduction Print-friendly version of this page