Story: Small forest birds

Silvereye

Silvereye

The tiny silvereye (tauhou) weighs just 13 grams, yet a number of these birds flew 2,000 kilometres from Australia to New Zealand – no doubt assisted (or blown off course) by strong westerly winds. Since they arrived in the 1830s, silvereyes have become one of the most common native species. Juveniles lack the white eye-ring.

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Department of Conservation
Reference: 10042159
Photograph by J. L. Kendrick

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How to cite this page:

Christina Troup, 'Small forest birds - Fantails and silvereyes', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/12493/silvereye (accessed 19 April 2024)

Story by Christina Troup, published 24 Sep 2007, reviewed & revised 17 Feb 2015, updated 1 Aug 2023