Listen to the Tūī
Recording by Ken George · xeno-canto XC1093636
Tūī
Māori name: Tūī
Scientific name: Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Not Threatened
The tūī is one of New Zealand's most recognisable birds, with its iridescent dark plumage and distinctive white throat feathers called a poi. A highly vocal and intelligent bird, the tūī is a key pollinator of native plants including flax, kōwhai, and fuchsia. They are a common and welcome sight in the Pāuanui area.
Did you know?
Tūī have two voice boxes (syrinx), allowing them to produce an extraordinary range of sounds — including clicks, whirrs, and coughs that are inaudible to humans.
Threats
Rats and possums raid tūī nests, destroying eggs and killing chicks. Stoats also prey on nesting females and fledglings.