The tūī is a medium-sized bird native to New Zealand. It is blue, green, and bronze coloured with a distinctive white throat tuft (poi). It is an endemic passerine bird of New Zealand, and the only species in the genus Prosthemadera. It is one of the largest species in the diverse Australasian honeyeater family Meliphagidae, and one of two living species of that family found in New Zealand, the other being the New Zealand bellbird. The tūī has a wide distribution in the archipelago, ranging from the subtropical Kermadec Islands to the sub-Antarctic Auckland Islands, as well as the main islands.
Region
New Zealand and outlying islands
Typical Environment
Found throughout the main North and South Islands and many offshore islands, from coastal forests to subalpine scrub. They thrive in native and mixed forests, regenerating shrublands, and increasingly in urban parks and gardens with flowering trees. Tūī track seasonal blooms and fruiting, moving locally as resources shift. They also occur on outlying islands such as the Kermadecs and Auckland Islands where habitat allows.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Tūī are adept nectar-feeders with brush-tipped tongues and are key pollinators of native trees like kōwhai, rātā, pōhutukawa, and harakeke. They have an exceptional vocal range, aided by a dual syrinx, producing rich melodies mixed with clicks, grunts, and whistles, and they can mimic other birds and human-made sounds. Tūī are boldly territorial around flowering trees, often chasing off other birds. Their distinctive white throat tufts (poi) and iridescent sheen make them easy to recognize.
1888 illustration of a tūī nest
Tūī feeding on kōwhai flower
Temperament
social and active, but strongly territorial at food sources
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, noisy wingbeats and swooping glides
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small groups at flowering trees, with males vigorously defending rich nectar sources. Monogamous pairs build cup nests in trees or tall shrubs, with females incubating while males help feed nestlings. Courtship includes chase-flights and display songs from prominent perches.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A complex, melodious song combining pure whistles with clicks, grates, and rattles. Capable of mimicry and overlapping notes thanks to a dual syrinx; songs vary regionally and by individual.
