Bellbird flourishes on Kapiti Island

By Alan Tristram

 This Bellbird was photographed recently after washing itself on Motungarara (Fisherman’s) Island off the south-east coast of Kapiti Island.

The Bellbird’s Maori name is Korimako and on Kapiti the liquid notes of its songs are a more common sign of its presence than sightings. It’s a lively, quick-moving honey-eater.

The Korimako was having a bath in one several water bowls On Karl Webber’s property — this one is just off the deck.

It’s thought the Korimako in the pic is a young adult male.The female has a yellow/white stripe from the cheek to bill.
The male’s plumage is a little more colorful than that of the usually-smaller female.

The Korimako, Kereru and Tui all drink from the bowls; and the

Tui and Korimako often bath as well.

Occasionally, the Kereru have a bath,too, which can be amusing as they are larger than the bowel itself.

And the Bellbiurd’s diet? Well, its diet is similar to that of the Tui — insects, fruit and nectar from the puriri, rata, kowhai, pohutukawa, harakeke and other trees.