Tui

Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae (also known as Parson's bird)

tui v2

Distribution:

Throughout New Zealand

Habitat:

Native forests and some urban areas where there are sufficient nectar-producing trees

Diet:

Insects, fruit, nectar

Gestation:

Breeding is November to January and they nest in a fork or outer branch of tree. 2-4 eggs are laid and incubated for 14 days. They fledge at 11 days and stay together another 10-20 days.

Predators:

Humans (in the past), introduced mammals and birds of prey

Conservation Status:

Totally protected endemic species

General:

White throat feathers gave them the name parson-bird. Famous for their singing ability, they can sing two different notes at once.

These birds are important pollinators and seed-spreaders in the forest. Planting food trees such as kowhai, banksia, flax, flowering gum, cherry and coprosma species will encourage the return of Tui to urban areas.

At Hamilton Zoo:

We have three tui living in our free-flight aviary. See if you can spot them in the trees!