NATIVE BIRDS | 183 
numbers now have sadly diminished, though they are still 
to be found in most patches of bush. 
The Tui belongs to that order of birds whose toes are 
specially adapted for perching. 
The bird is somewhat longer and larger than the common 
Song-thrush. In colour it is bluish or greenish black, 
with white streaks on the back of the neck, and a white 
spot on each wing, On the throat are two tufts of white 
curly feathers, which are in strong contrast with its other- 
wise sombre plumage. It is to this adornment that it owes 
its name of the “Parson bird.” Its eyes are large, round, 
and dark brown, Its legs are moderately long and stout, 
and, as in the case of other birds belonging to the same 
order, end in three jointed toes in front and one behind. 
The bill is long and curved. Both sexes are alike. The 
young are slaty black with a white patch on the breast, 
and without the white tuft on the throat. 
The food of the Tui consists largely of berries and 
honey—the latter it obtains by thrusting its long beak into 
the nectaries of flower-bearing plants. It is particularly 
fond of the flowers 
and fruit of the 
Puriri tree, and of 
the flowers of the 
Wild Fuchsia and 
Kowhai from which 
it is able to obtain 
supplies of sweet 
juice. 
The nest, which 
is large and shallow, 
is built of slender 
. twigs and moss, and 
Fig. 113.—Nest of Tui. the down of the 
