Tui - Tūī
Endemic to New Zealand and one of our most iconic birds.
Sitting at over 30cm tall this beautiful, this boisterous bird has iridescent blue/green head and wings and distinctive white neck tufts which originally lead it to be called the Parson Bird by the early settlers. It is endemic to New Zealand and is one of our most iconic birds.
The Tūī is loud and easily recognisable from its call made up of whistles, clicks, coughs and grunts. It is often the first to start singing in the morning and the last to sing at night, it's even known to sing to the moon on a clear moonlit night. They have been found to have different regional accents and are able to imitate the call of every bird in the forest. In the past, the Māori kept them in cages and trained them to repeat welcome speeches up to 70 words long. They even trimmed their brush-like tongue to help them speak more clearly.
The Tūī is very territorial and will defend their turf aggressively chasing away other birds to make sure their food source is safe. And beware, they sometimes swoop down low for fun and drive bomb people.
The Tūī is an important pollinator and seed distributor and plays a major role in restoring and sustaining New Zealand's natural habitat.
Sometimes a Tūī pair will make their nest in a nesting box, however, the box would need to be in a high position. The Kohab Open Birdhouse would be suitable.
What do Tui eat?
The Tūī is part of the honeyeater family which means they mainly drink nectar using their long strong beaks to reach deep down into native flowers. They also love fruit and will happily grab insects for a quick high protein snack too. They will fly long distances to get their favourite meal and once they have found a regular food supply they will become a common visitor.
You can help support the Tūī by planting native nectar providing plants, or plants that support insects. Leaving out fresh fruit for them to feed off will also be much appreciated, or provide them with nectar such as the Kohab Nectar in a Kohab Bird Feeder, they will be attracted by the natural red colour and it will give them an easy meal full of energy and nutritional support.
Help the NZ birds you kohabit with thrive.
Here in New Zealand, we kohabit with some amazing birds, so what better way to enjoy them than by inviting them into our gardens and giving them a nutritious snack. And that’s what Kohab is all about, enjoying the creatures we kohabit our NZ gardens with while supporting them so they can thrive.
Tūī will love:
Nectar-loving birds like Tūī, Silvereye and Bellbirds will get a great boost from Kohab Bird Nectar with beetroot.
Our glucose-based bird nectar includes the superpower of beetroot, you just need to add water. Not only does this give our bird nectar its beautiful red colouring, but it also attracts birds, making it easy for them to find and enjoy. In addition, beetroot is rich in nitrates, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to help the birds thrive and maintain their energetic lifestyle.
By providing your NZ birds with high-energy food and good nutrition you will help them thrive. Kohabs’ bird foods have been developed to supplement wild birds' natural food sources to support their health and wellbeing.
Try a Kohab Food Subscription and ensure you are always well stocked up and enjoy great savings too. Our subscriptions make great gifts for bird lovers or for that person who has everything.
All Kohab Wild Bird Food comes with no plastic.
For more information on Kohab bird foods take a look at About Kohab Bird Food.
Kohab Bird Nectar composition: glucose, organic beetroot powder.
Read our subscription FAQs here.
The perfect NZ Bird Feeder for Tui!
The Kohab Feeder is the perfect nectar feeder for our native and endemic birds Tūī, Silvereye/Waxeye or Bellbirds. Just add a bowl of your choice with Kohab Bird Nectar, or even pieces of fruit.
Simply attach it to a tree or fence. Adding a bowl of your choice means you can easily keep the feeder clean and tidy. It also gives you the option to change what you are feeding, depending on who is visiting or who you want to have visit your garden.
Adding a bird feeder is a great way to support and encourage your local wildlife. Not only are you providing a safe feeding site, you also get to connect more with those you kohabit your space with and get the joy of watching the bird life thrive. It's a win-win.
By providing your garden birds with high-energy food and good nutrition, you will help them thrive.
PLEASE NOTE: A bowl is not included with the Kohab Bird Feeder.
Details:
This DIY bird feeder is New Zealand made from strong, high-quality marine plywood with thick walls and roof so it will last and last.
This feeder comes in a kitset and is quick and easy to assemble. Simply slot the pieces together and hammer a few nails into the part-drilled holes. We supply the nails and two sturdy mounting screws.
To find out more about how to put your Kohab Feeder together, take a look at our assembly instructions.
Other Info:
This Kohab Bird Feeder is made from high-quality marine plywood, which is safe for birds and can last outside untreated for up to 10 years. However, as with all outside wood products, you can extend your feeder's lifespan with a little bit of love. We recommend sealing it with Timber Sealer and Protector.
Size: H 295mm x W 229mm x D 165mm
All Kohab products are proudly NZ made.
The Kohab Open Wooden Birdhouse has been specially designed to give safe, warm shelter to a range of NZ birds that are regular visitors to your garden. The open birdhouse style replicates the birds’ natural nesting preference and will be attractive to Grey Warbler, Silvereye, Blackbirds, Song Thrush, House Sparrows and even, if you’re in luck, Tūī.
Adding a birdhouse to your garden is a great way to support and encourage your local wildlife. Not only are you providing a safe nesting box, you also get to connect more with those you kohabit your space with and have the joy of watching generation after generation of new bird life. It's a win-win.
Details:
This DIY birdhouse is New Zealand made from strong high-quality marine plywood with thick walls and roof making them watertight as well as warm and snug. They have a slide-in base that makes cleaning them quick and easy, and good floor ventilation to keep moisture levels low.
Our birdhouses come in a kitset and are quick and easy to assemble. Simply slot the pieces together and hammer a few nails into the part-drilled holes. We supply the nails and two sturdy mounting screws.
To find out more about how to put your Kohab Wooden Birdhouse together take a look at our birdhouse plans and assembly instructions.
Other Info:
Kohab birdhouses are made from high-quality marine plywood, which is safe for birds and can last outside untreated for up to 10 years.
However, as with all outside wood products, you can extend your birdhouses lifespan with a little bit of love. We recommend sealing it with Timber Sealer and Protector.
Size: H 296mm x W 180mm x D 145mm
Entrance hole: H 75mm x W 130mm
Kohab Birdhouses are proudly NZ made.