Huia

The huia became extinct in the early 20th century. It was regarded by the Maori as sacred and adornment with hiua skins, beaks and tail feathers is a symbol of very high status. This species was highly prized by hunters and hundreds of skins were exported overseas for museums and private collections. The female of the species has a long, curved beak. This beak sexual dimorphism is one of the most pronounced of all the birds

Object Summary

Accession Loan No.
75/1948/2
Category
Natural History
Collection Class
Birds
Collection Area Region
Australia and New Zealand
Collector Excavator
James, Mrs (from the collection of)
Common Name
huia
Simple Name
bird

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CALLAEIDAE: Heteralocha acutirostris (Gould): huia