The tui stands out from the flock as New Zealand's favourite bird, according to a recent poll by Forest and Bird.
The iconic songbird was the most popular choice in the inaugural New Zealand Bird of the Year 2005 poll, attracting 20 per cent of the vote.
Forest and Bird conservation manager Kevin Hackwell noted that a tui among kowhai was also the logo of the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society, which launched its national appeal this week.
"The tui is one of New Zealand's most iconic dawn chorus birds with a call that is loved across the land."
The enthusiastic response to the poll - 76 native bird species received nearly 900 votes between them - was a reminder that New Zealand's native birds were "an intrinsic part of our national identity, and one that we should celebrate, cherish and protect", he said.
Less encouragingly, 73 of New Zealand native bird species are on the World Conservation Union Red List of species threatened with extinction.
Among developed nations, only the US has more red-listed bird species.
Among the top 10 favourite birds, the stitchbird (hihi), kokako, kakapo and kea are all on the Red List.
Forest and Bird is calling on the public to help finance conservation work around the country "aimed at restoring the dawn chorus".
You can donate to the appeal by visiting the organisation's website at: www.forestandbird.org.nz.
The top 10 polling birds were:
Tui, Stitchbird or hihi, Fantail, Kokako, Kea, Kereru, Kakapo, Grey Warbler, Pukeko, Bellbird
Tui tops Forest and Bird's inaugural Bird of Year poll
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