Physical Appearance:
* Size: It is a medium-sized bird, measuring around 25-30 centimeters (10-12 inches) in length.
* Plumage: The tui's plumage exhibits sexual dimorphism.
* Male: Males have predominantly black feathers with iridescent blue and green hues. Their throat and upper chest feature a distinctive patch of white feathers, known as the "tui cup."
* Female: Females have a brownish-black plumage overall. They lack the white throat patch of the males and generally have less iridescent coloration.
* Facial Features: Both male and female tuis have a distinctive bushy whitish or pale yellowish tuft of feathers below the beak, which are called "pohutakawa" feathers.
* Beak: The tui has a long, slightly curved beak, which is dark in color and well-adapted for feeding on nectar and insects.
Other Notable Features:
* Song: Tu'is are renowned for their melodious and complex songs. They produce a variety of vocalizations, including melodic whistles, chattering calls, and bell-like notes. This characteristic makes them one of the most celebrated birds in New Zealand for their musical abilities.
* Tail: Tu'is have a relatively long tail, which is dark brown in males and dark blackish-brown in females. The tail of a tui may appear slightly forked or wedge-shaped.
Overall, the tui is an attractive and unique-looking bird, known for its diverse plumage, distinctive white throat patch (in males), and beautiful singing voice.