New Zealand bellbird (Anthornis melanura)

Not documented in the supplied sources as a mythological origin narrative. Cultural sources record the bellbird as taonga (a cultural or spiritual treasure) in Māori tradition and as traditionally valued for its meat and melodious song, but no specific creation or origin myth for the species is provided in the available materials.

About 17–20 cm in length; males typically weigh ~33 g and are olive-green with paler underparts and bluish-black wings and tail, while females are generally paler and browner and weigh ~25 g. Morphological specializations include a brush-like tongue for nectar feeding and a modification of the ninth primary flight feather that produces a whirring sound in flight.

Exceptional vocal abilities; contributes prominently to the dawn chorus and was described by early European observers as producing bell-like, highly tunable notes and capable of imitating other birds' calls. Diet comprises nectar, fruit, honeydew and insects, facilitated by a brush-like tongue. Reproductively forms long-lasting monogamous pairs, is territorial (especially during breeding), and incubates eggs for about 13–15 days with fledging around 19 days after hatching. The modified ninth primary feather produces whirring sounds used in courtship and territorial displays. Distributed across much of New Zealand and some offshore islands, though scarce in parts of the far north and in dry central areas.