Mears Bush
Wildlife at Mears Bush
Silver eye
Tui
Silver eye/Wax eye
Scientific name: Zosterops lateralis
Common name: Silver eye or Wax eye
Maori name: Tauhou
The Silver eye or Wax eye is also known as the White eye or Blight bird. Their olive green colour and the white ring around their eyes make them easy to identify.
They are wide spread throughout New Zealand. You will see them in your garden and in the bush.
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A mature Tui
Scientific name: Prosthemdera novaseelandia.
Common name: Parson or Mockingbird (used by early europeans).
Maori name: TÅ«i
The Tui is a native bird to New Zealand. It usually takes nectar from native plants, like Kowhai, Puriri, Rewarewa and harakeke.
In maori beliefs, they associated the Tui with symbolic meanings. Like, fulfillment, confidence, and spiritual harmony.
Tauhou looking for insects
These birds eat small insects like flies and caterpillars. Orchard farmers find them a nuisance as Silver eyes also like ripe fruit. Silver eyes visit bird feeders more than other birds in New Zealand. The life span of a Silver eye is up to nine years.
Hiding away
Facts about TÅ«Ä«.
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Tui have a lifespan of up to twelve years.
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Tui is territorially aggressive, leading to fights with other birds of different species.
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The female Tui lay their eggs between January and September.
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The current population of the existing Tui is 3500-15000.