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Today I was strolling through our local gardens and heard strange coughing and wheezing sounds,followed by some melodious notes, then more harsh noises. I Looked up and was so delighted to see these two Tui directly above me. I can not remember the last time I saw one.
They are quite aggressive birds and very vocal with their coughing and spluttering. In early times they were know as Parson Birds (because of the white tufts in the neck) but are now universally known by the Maori name, Tui. They have a bluish green sheen on their plumage which I have not captured.
Apparently they resemble parrots in that they can be taught to repeat words and imitate the human voice, helped by having two voice boxes.
Tui ( prosthemadera novaeseelandiae) are endemic &" native and unique"to New Zealand, and are a protected species.
In Māori culture the Tui has powerful significance. They act as messengers to the gods in the heavens.
TicK