Tui

Scientific Name: Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae

Population Estimate: 2500 - 10K

Range / Habitat: Endemic to New Zealand, where found in native forest and scrub in addition to cleared areas withe kowhai and flax. 

Field Notes: Dramatic in sound and appearance, Tui is large, dark and iridescent with a white tuft at the throat. Its song has rich, fluid and resonant notes mixed with coughs, clicks, grunts and wheezes. No similar appearing birds in New Zealand, but the New Zealand Bellbird song can be similarly resonant.

Personal Notes: Always a welcome sound and sight, particularly in Wellington CBD.