The iconic NZ bird and informal mascot of the nation is of course the Kiwi. Such that the locals are more than happy to be called Kiwis rather than the long winded “New Zealander”. And “kiwi” often works much better as an adjective of course. However outside zoos, most human Kiwis are unlikely to ever see a kiwi, due to their shy, nocturnal habits and threatened status. Incidentally there are several breeds of kiwi – varying in size between a hen and a turkey! When the Maoris landed and found the place full of not only kiwis but the even larger flightless moas, it must have been like Christmas dinner every day for a couple of centuries. If the moas are anything like most local birds they would have had no fear of danger and would have carried on browsing until surprised by a spear.
But the nomination for second place in the most popular bird stakes must be the Tui.
Tuis are like starlings in drag. They are just slightly larger than a starling, with a similar profile, and with dark, shiny iridescent feathers. Around their necks is a tasteful wispy white collar and under their chins, what looks like a rather fluffy white bow tie.
They feed mainly on nectar and fruit, depending on the season and are a common sight in the suburbs and parks of lovely green Wellington. The Tui has a long proboscis like tongue which enables it to probe down and access the rich feed of nectar that these flowers provide. There is a well known breed of NZ beer named after them, which tends to increase their "brand recognition".
But it is in the vocal department that the tui excels. It’s not so much a song, as a distinctive riff, comprising an extensive range of squeaks, trills, creaks, caws, quacks, hoots, “ow”s and any other sound they can imitate and hence add to their repertoire.
And if there happens to be an alpha tui sitting on the tree outside your door, as there was the other day, you can see that it is not just a case of: take up a wide stance, open your beak and let rip. It is much more of a performance than that, with lots of mannered head movements. Like a very expressive tenor in the opera, intent on communicating the full range of emotions to the back row of the circle. I suspect the point of this is to display the bow tie to best effect, to potential mates and local rivals, as it bobbles about in a highly visible and slightly comical manner like a couple of animated pompoms.
In the picture is a tui we saw feeding on a wild rata flower in South Island. Sadly these beautiful flowers result from buds which are a most delectable food to the accursed possum. This was in one of only two areas where we saw them in bloom.
But the nomination for second place in the most popular bird stakes must be the Tui.
Tuis are like starlings in drag. They are just slightly larger than a starling, with a similar profile, and with dark, shiny iridescent feathers. Around their necks is a tasteful wispy white collar and under their chins, what looks like a rather fluffy white bow tie.
They feed mainly on nectar and fruit, depending on the season and are a common sight in the suburbs and parks of lovely green Wellington. The Tui has a long proboscis like tongue which enables it to probe down and access the rich feed of nectar that these flowers provide. There is a well known breed of NZ beer named after them, which tends to increase their "brand recognition".
But it is in the vocal department that the tui excels. It’s not so much a song, as a distinctive riff, comprising an extensive range of squeaks, trills, creaks, caws, quacks, hoots, “ow”s and any other sound they can imitate and hence add to their repertoire.
And if there happens to be an alpha tui sitting on the tree outside your door, as there was the other day, you can see that it is not just a case of: take up a wide stance, open your beak and let rip. It is much more of a performance than that, with lots of mannered head movements. Like a very expressive tenor in the opera, intent on communicating the full range of emotions to the back row of the circle. I suspect the point of this is to display the bow tie to best effect, to potential mates and local rivals, as it bobbles about in a highly visible and slightly comical manner like a couple of animated pompoms.
In the picture is a tui we saw feeding on a wild rata flower in South Island. Sadly these beautiful flowers result from buds which are a most delectable food to the accursed possum. This was in one of only two areas where we saw them in bloom.
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