Tauhou

Tauhou

Zosterops lateralis

Silvereye, waxeye

LOCATION: Silvereye were self introduced in the 1800s and now have a wide distribution throughout New Zealand. Since there is no evidence that it was artificially introduced, it is classified as a native species.They have made the forest their home and are now among the most common bird in suburbia too. (DOC)

BEHAVIOUR: A gregarious species, silvereyes are well known for flocking especially in winter. They are a mobile species that forages actively for food in parklands, woodlands, suburban gardens, forests and scrublands. Aggressive interactions are common within flocks, with a dominant bird performing rapid wing fluttering and short aggressive chases of other birds. (NZ Birds Online)

CULTURE: The silvereye’s Māori name is tauhou, which means ‘stranger’ or more literally, ‘new arrival’. (DOC)