THE TUI 
65 
Often solitary or with mate only. Usually runs 
when on the ground, but hops occasionally. Fhg t 
is rapid and undulating; when flying upwards, it 
does so in a series of jerks. 
THE TUI 
SONG_Five bell-like notes, concluding with a 
quick downward slur. _ 
Key B flat: | s : | d’: t : |f : I s-r : 
The notes are frequently changed, but the quality 
and the characteristic downward slur on last two 
notes are always the same, except when the tui 
imitates the song of some other bird. 
DESCRIPTION—Also called the “Parson Bird” 
(white collar). Bill, black, long and curved. 
Plumage, glossy, greenish black, with a tuft and 
band of white feathers on its neck, and white stripe 
on each wing. Legs, dark brown, almost black. 
FOOD—Nectar of flowers, especially those of 
New Zealand flax (phormium tenax), the wild 
fuchsia and of the kowhai tree; also the berries of 
several native trees. It has a protractile tongue, 
furnished at the tip with a bunch of fibres, specially 
adapted for the collection of nectar from large 
flowers. 
NEST—Built usually in September. Seldom 
lower than 20 feet from the ground. Not as firmly 
placed as those of other birds, and so frequently 
dislodged by strong winds. 3 or 4 eggs laid in it. 
(See pp. 43, 46.) 
HABITS—Flight rapid and graceful, accompanied 
by peculiar rustling movement of the wings. Not 
