Movements of groups of tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae) in winter and settlement of juvenile tui in summer

Abstract

An individually colour-banded population of tui (Meliphagidae) was studied and individuals were shown to move over sometimes large distances in search of nectar during most of the year. However, individuals were localised into small foraging areas when nectar was abundant during summer breeding.

Tui forage a regular route, taking their newly independent young with them through winter. These family groups sometimes consist of previous years' young and also other adults. These same group members nest near each other during summer and their offspring establish nesting areas nearby in following years.

Keywords:

• Meliphagidae
• nectar-feeder
• tui
• honey-eater
• foraging range
• nectar
• breeding area
• Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae