bellbirds

Bellbirds are a group of small to medium-sized passerine birds known for their resonant, bell-like calls. The term commonly refers to several species in the Americas, which belong to the cotinga family (Cotingidae), as well as the New Zealand bellbird (Anthornis melanura), an endemic species. In the Americas, bellbirds occur from Central America through the Andean foothills and into Amazonia, occupying forest, woodland, and edge habitats. They are generally medium-sized; males in many species are more brightly colored than females, and plumage can include greens, blacks, and metallic tones, though exact appearance varies by species. The name derives from the characteristic "bell" tone that many species’ songs and contact calls possess.

Bellbirds are omnivorous, feeding on a mixture of fruit, nectar, and insects. They often join mixed-species foraging flocks and may visit flowering trees to exploit nectar resources. Socially, many Cotinga relatives display fairly small territories during the breeding season, with nests placed in trees and lined with plant fibers; eggs are typically pale and patterned.

The New Zealand bellbird is a distinct, endemic species that inhabits forests, coastal scrub, and gardens across much of the country. It is known for a mellow melodious song that can carry through dense vegetation.

Conservation status varies by region and species; habitat loss and fragmentation affect some populations, while others remain common or abundant. Overall, bellbirds are valued for their vocalizations and ecological role as seed dispersers and pollinators.