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Chatham bellbird facts for kids

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Chatham bellbird
Anthornis.melanocephalus.jpg
Conservation status

Extinct  (1906) (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:
Anthornis
Species:
melanocephala
NZOffshoreIslandsMap.png
Chatham Islands (top right) in relation to other New Zealand Outlying Islands

The Chatham bellbird (Anthornis melanocephala) is an extinct species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It was endemic to the Chatham Islands.

Anthornis melanocephala nest
Nest
Anthornis melanocephala (AM LB4412-6)
Chatham Island bellbird (Anthornis melanocephala) specimen from the Auckland Museum collection.

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.

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.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Pájaro campana de Chatham para niños

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