Tui in the Kowhai Tree

The kowhai tree in our back yard is in flower and is proving irresistible to the Tui.  These beautiful native birds are nectar feeders and they move branch to branch through the tree as they probe the yellow hanging flowers.  As they feed on the flowers, the petals break away and flutter down, carpeting the lawn with golden petals.  The Tui is very protective of the tree it is feeding in and will chase off any other bird that alights in its tree.

Tui left overs

Tui are important pollinators of many native trees and will fly large distances, especially during winter for their favourite foods.  They also occasionally eat insects too.  The sun shines of the  blue/green black feathers and the birds have silver-grey neck filaments.  The early settlers called them Parson Birds because of the dangling tufts of white curved feathers at the throat. 

Tui in our kowhai tree

We hear their warbling call as they busily move amongst the flowers.  They combine bell-like notes with harsh clicks, barks, cackles and wheezes.  These clever birds  often mimic sounds such as the calls of the bellbird.  Hopefully they are busy building a nest close by and we will have baby birds in the near future.