Tui

Tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae) is an endemic passerine bird of New Zealand. It is one of the largest members of the diverse honeyeater family. The name Tui is from the Maori language name tūī and is the species' formal common name. The plural is simply 'Tui', following Māori usage. The English name, Parson Bird, has fallen into disuse but came about because at first glance the Tui appears completely black except for a small tuft of white feathers at its neck and a small white wing patch, causing it to resemble a parson in religious attire.

Description

On closer inspection it can be seen that Tui have faded browner patches on the back and flanks, a multicoloured iridescent sheen that varies with the angle from which the light strikes them, and a dusting of small, white-shafted feathers on the back and sides of the neck that produce a lacy collar.

Habitat and distribution

Tui are found through the country, particularly in the North Island, the west and south coasts of the South Island, Stewart Island/Rakiura and the Chatham Islands. They are adaptable and are found in a wide variety of habitats, including suburban gardens, farmland, coastal bush and the high country.

Behaviour and ecology

Tui are known for their noisy, unusual call, different for each individual, that combine bellbird-like notes with clicks, cackles, timber-like creaks and groans, and wheezing sounds. The unusual possession of two voiceboxes enable Tui to perform such a myriad of vocalisations.

Diet

Their diet is dominated by nectar, and they play an important ecological role in pollinating plants. They also eat insects, and will take fruit, especially in autumn and winter.

Breeding

Tui breed in spring and summer, building a loose, untidy, cup-shaped nest out of twigs, grasses and moss. Females alone incubate and rear the chicks.

Conservation

Tui populations declined significantly after the arrival of Europeans to New Zealand, due to habitat loss and the introduction of predators. However, they have proved to be adaptable and have fared better than many other native species.

Cultural significance

Tui have a significant place in Māori culture, featuring in traditional mythology and folklore. They are considered to be messengers of the gods.

References

Tui Resources
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