Nesting record of tui

The hen laid her eggs during the height of a severe gale with some heavy rain. The hunting away of other birds by the male appears to be connected with food supply in the vicinity of the nest. The brooding period up to hatching is confirmed as 14 days. The male was not definitely observed to feed the young on any occasion, either in the nest or subsequently. The period in the nest is established as 21 or 22 days. Every observation of feeding at the nest was of insect food only, and after leaving the nest, of berries, occasional insects, and nectar. A young bird either leaving or fallen from the nest at 17 or 18 days was led back to the nest, probably by withholding food. Attacks and threat display against the young at four weeks would appear to be to force them to regroup at a height for safety, and for ease in feeding. At five weeks the young become practically self-supporting.