Tui
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae (also known as Parson's bird)
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!