The rare endemic New Zealand forest-dwelling stitchbird (Notiomystis cincta) is named for its sharp, high-pitched "tzit tzit" call, which early European settlers thought sounded like the clicking of a sewing machine. Its Māori name, hihi, translates to "ray of sunshine," referencing the brilliant, flashing yellow plumage on the male bird's shoulders. Males have a black head, white ear tufts, yellow neck/shoulder band. Females/juveniles have a grey-brown body. One of the very few bird species known to mate face-to-face, at one time they survived only on isolated Hauturu (Little Barrier Island), but the Department of Conservation have safely reintroduced them to several protected sanctuaries and fenced mainland areas.
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