Chatham Islands bellbird

The Chatham Islands bellbird (Anthornis melanocephala) or kōmako is an extinct species of bird in the family Meliphagidae.

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] The kōmako nested from August to October, usually laying three eggs in a larger nest than those made by mainland bellbirds.

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.

Nest
Chatham Island bellbird specimen in the Auckland Museum collection.
Chatham Island bellbird ( Anthornis melanocephala ) specimen from the Auckland Museum collection.