Colourful Tui

November 20, 2011

Many people think our iconic native bird, the tui, is simply black with a white feather at the throat. In actual fact, when seen close up in the sun, the tui is extremely colourful. They have a shawl of fine white feathers that go from shoulder to shoulder around their back, and have many beautiful teal, green and blue feathers throughout their plummage. The white feathers at the throat are actually 2 clumps of very fine feathers. This tui was injured, but is now fully rehabilitated and ready for release. The flax is just starting to flower, so it’s the perfect time to release her.