Coming together for kai

In autumn and winter, you may see flocks consisting of multiple species, like pōpokotea/whitehead, pīwakawaka/fantail, riroriro/grey warbler, and tīeke/saddleback, all foraging together. These 'mixed-species flocks’ are thought to benefit manu/birds by improving foraging (e.g., species like pīwakawaka can take advantage of insects that are flushed by other birds) and reducing predation risk. 

Researchers have found that within the flocks, there tends to be a ‘leader’ bird species that determines where the group goes (e.g., pōpokotea lead others in places like Zealandia), plus one or more follower species. Interestingly, the leader species tends to have good communication and anti-predator alarm systems. Therefore, by tagging along with a leader species, follower birds like the pīwakawaka may be able to eavesdrop on the pōpokotea so they can be less vigilant and focus more on foraging!

Pōpokotea/whitehead by Scott Langdale