NZ Bellbird Adaptations

Millions of years ago, New Zealand was split apart from Australia. As New Zealand grew into a place with lush forests and large mountain ranges the birds, including the Bellbird were forced to adapt to the new environment. At that time there was only bird predators such as the eagle, falcon and owl, which made escaping from predators much harder than it is today. The Bellbird and all other NZ birds developed defence mechanisms to keep them hidden from feathers such as the Bellbirds green feathers, which blend with the environment. They also grew larger and lived longer however they have become slower breeders.

The Bellbird's personal adaptation is it's feathers which blend with the forest. It grew green and black feathers in order to escape predators which rely on sight by blending in the forest. The Bellbird has also become more quiet to avoid predator's hearing them.

 

The female Bellbird has mainly green feathers with a black beak and feather ends. The male however has black feathers with a slight orange round the front. The females have an easier time blending in the forest than the males however both can blend with the forest very well for black feathers can blend in darker areas.

The Bellbird's breeding times occur from September to January where 2 broods can be produced. They generally lay three to four eggs with pinkish brown spots and blotches. Their eggs also look very similar to that of a Tui's in both colour and size.