Descriptions

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 male of the species has a short, stout beak, the female’s is long and curved.

This male specimen has just 5 tail feathers. normally they have 12.

This object is not on display.