DIY Backyard Tui Feeder

School holidays are almost here again which is a great time to enjoy a few DIY projects with the kids.

This one is fairly simple to make, and it has the added bonus of bringing beautiful Tui into the yard for hours of bird watching and song interpretation.

Tui have two voice boxes, this enables them to make a vast range of sounds, they're even known to mimic human speech! Being fairly independent birds you'll rarely see them in large numbers unless there's an abundance of food, they do like to spend time with a mate or friend so seeing them in pairs is common.

Tui also contribute to the pollination of many native plants and trees throughout New Zealand by distributing seeds.

Making your own Tui feeder is an easy and fun project that brings these incredible native birds right into your backyard. Tui are naturally drawn to nectar, bright colours, and sweet scents — so this homemade feeder uses simple ingredients and a splash of colour to catch their attention.

Make A Tui Feeder

Small dark plastic containers (about 3 cm wide and 5 cm deep)

Red or yellow gaffer tape (Tui love bright colours)

Rose water

Sugar

Warm water

String, wire, or a way to hang the feeder

A small nail or drill (optional, for making holes)

Prepare the Nectar

Tui are nectar feeders, so your mixture should mimic the sweetness found in native flowers.

In a jug, mix:

1 part sugar

4 parts warm water

Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.

Add a few drops of rose water for scent — Tui find it attractive.

Let it cool.  Tip: Never use honey — it can cause disease in native birds.

Prepare the Feeder Cups

Take your small dark containers and wrap the top rim with red or yellow gaffer tape.

These colours mimic flowers and help Tui spot the feeder.

Make a small hole near the top edge of each container (if they don’t already have one).

Thread string or wire through the hole so the cup can hang securely.

Fill and Hang

Pour a little cooled nectar into each cup — only 2–3 cm deep is enough.

Hang the feeders on a branch, trellis, or hook at about head height or slightly above.

Choose a shady spot to prevent fermentation.

Keep them away from windows to avoid bird strikes.

Maintain the Feeder

Refresh the nectar every 1–2 days (more often in hot weather).

Rinse the containers with hot water before refilling.

If ants appear, move the feeder or apply a small amount of Vaseline on the hanging wire to deter them.

Enjoy Your Visitors

Tui may take a day or two to discover your feeder, but once they do, you’ll be treated to close-up views of their beautiful plumage, acrobatics, and incredible vocal range, from melodic whistles to buzzes and clicks.

Adding a few native nectar plants nearby (like kōwhai, flax, or kōtukutuku) will make your garden even more Tui-friendly.