Tūī

Conservation status
Doing OK

A remarkable musical scrapbooker with a ferocious temper. Its ability to detract from the real issues with its loud and obnoxious calls have seen it accused of playing the Trump card. The tūī's song is known to improve in the company of bellbirds. Tūī mimic other birds and various sounds from their environment.

Campaign Manager

Henry Scott

With boisterous, wide-ranging and intricate vocals, alongside both a strong attitude and appearance, Tūī are a key part of the dawn chorus in many parts of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Whilst being among the more familiar of our endemic birds, their humorous antics and ecological benefits are most definitely underrated, with their ability to mimic human speech thanks to their two voice-boxes surprising many!

Tūī

Image: © Paul Sorrell