Alternative name: Parson Bird.
- Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Identification
27–32 cm (10½-12½ in); weight about 140g
- Metallic dark green and blue plumage
- Brownish patches on back and flanks
- Small white wing patch
- Tuft of white feathers at throat
- Bill and feet brown-black
Distribution
Taxonomy
Subspecies
There are 3 subspecies[1]:
- P. n. novaeseelandiae:
- New Zealand, Stewart Island and Auckland Islands
- P. n. kermadecensis:
- Kermadec Islands
- P. n. chathamensis:
- Chatham Islands: larger.
The population on the Kermadec Islands is given subspecies status by Clement/eBird but is considered inseparable from nominate by most other authorities.
Habitat
Mixed broad leaf/podocarp forests, bush and gardens.
Behaviour
A powerful flyer.
Diet
The diet consists mainly of nectar, honeydew, pollen, insects and invertebrates. Seasonal fruit and occasionally seeds and pollen Will visit feeding stations for honey and sugar water.
Breeding
Females build nests of twigs, grasses and mosses.
Vocalisation
A great mimic they have pleasant, far-reaching, musical notes. Both sexes sing.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2018. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: v2018. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Higgins, P., Christidis, L. & Ford, H. (2017). Tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae). In: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., Sargatal, J., Christie, D.A. & de Juana, E. (eds.). Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. (retrieved from http://www.hbw.com/node/60266 on 28 January 2017).
- Wikipedia contributors, "Tui (bird)," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tui_(bird)&oldid=756654206 (accessed January 29, 2017).
- Higgins , P.J.; Peter, J.M. & Steele , W.K. (editors) 2001. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand & Antarctic Birds. Volume 5, Tyrant-flycatchers to chats. Melbourne, Oxford University Press . Pages 51-55, 457-462, 1191-1207; plate 41.
- Robertson, H.A. 2013. Tui. In Miskelly, C.M. (ed.) New Zealand Birds Online. http://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz
- BirdForum member observations
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2021) Tui. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 29 April 2021 from https://www.birdforum.net/wiki/Tui
External Links
