Tui

Definition:

The tui is a New Zealand native bird. It is most distinctive for a small ball of white feathers at its throat and is regarded as one of the most beautiful of all New Zealand birds. It is found throughout New Zealand in good numbers. Tui also have a distinctive and beautiful song.

Tui (the plural is the same) feed mainly on the nectars of native plants, particularly flax and kowhai. The nectar of flax sometimes ferments and it can result in tui flying in an erratic fashion which suggests they might be drunk.

The tui was traditionally used by Maori as food and the feathers used in the making of cloaks.

Pronunciation: TWO-ee