Tauhou is the native Maori name for the the Silvereye or Wax-eye. It is a very small passerine bird native to Australia, New Zealand and the south-west Pacific islands. Silvereyes were recorded in New Zealand as early as 1832 but it was not until 1856 that they arrived in very large numbers. It is assumed that a storm caught a migrating flock and diverted them here. The Maori name means “stranger”. Because the silvereye colonised New Zealand naturally, it is classified as a native species and is therefore protected. They measure around 12 cm and weigh approximately 13 g, have olive–green feathers, white rings around the eyes, a fine tapered bill and a brush tipped tongue for drinking nectar.

Acrylic on canvas (15" x 15" x 1.5")

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