The Chatham bellbird (Anthornis melanocephala) or kōmako is an extinct species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It was endemic to the Chatham Islands.
| Chatham bellbird | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Meliphagidae |
| Genus: | Anthornis |
| Species: | †A. melanocephala
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| Binomial name | |
| †Anthornis melanocephala G.R. Gray, 1843
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| Chatham Islands (top right) in relation to other New Zealand Outlying Islands | |
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Description edit
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]
Behaviour edit
The kōmako nested from August to October, usually laying three eggs in a larger nest than those made by mainland bellbirds. It's call was described as "the sweetest-throated of all the Antipodean songsters".[3]
Extinction edit
Cats were identified as the main cause of extinction after they reached Rangatira Island in 1831 and later Mangere Island.[3]
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 edit
- ^ 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.
- ^ A History of the Birds of New Zealand by Walter Buller, 1888
- ^ a b Alan Tennyson (2006). Extinct Birds of New Zealand. Illustrator: Paul Martinson (1st ed.). Wellington: Te Papa Press. ISBN 978-0-909010-21-8. OL 16144703M. Wikidata Q63353412.
External links edit
- Chatham Island Bellbird / Komako. by Paul Martinson. Artwork produced for the book Extinct Birds of New Zealand, by Alan Tennyson, Te Papa Press, Wellington, 2006
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