New Zealand Silver Eye or Wax Eye

A relative newcomer to New Zealand these charming birds come in clouds to gardens when the temperature drops looking for their favourite food  - fruit. It was cold at the cottage (only 17 degrees) and suddenly there were the Wax Eyes. Self introduced from Australia in the mid 19th Century they are now very widespread and a much appreciated addition to gardens both rural and suburban as they flit around and chatter with small piping sounds. This guy was very obliging! Maori name Tauhou means 'stranger''reflecting their recent arrival.