Pūteketeke / Crested Grebe
Bird of the century. Icon for the ages.
Feast your eyes on the magnificent Pūteketeke, the slender-necked, punk-plumed showstopper that captivated the world during Bird of the Century. Known for its outlandish synchronized courtship dances, the Pūteketeke (or Great Crested Grebe) isn’t just a master of style and grace — it's now a pop-culture legend.
Made famous by The Last Week Tonight feature and John Oliver's hilarious campaign blitz, this waterbird has gone from overlooked to iconic.
✓ 37cm high × 36cm wide, approx. 1kg
✓ Easy to send – packed in our large flat box (39cm × 34cm × 1cm)
✓ Same-day dispatch – on orders placed before 2pm weekdays
✓ Locally made – cut in a family-owned NZ workshop
✓ Crafted from 3mm Corten® steel – weathers beautifully outdoors
✓ Long-lasting art – made to stand strong through the seasons
Style With
Pūteketeke / Crested Grebe
AS SEEN IN
Most of our steel bird silhouettes are cut from 3 mm Corten weathering steel. Check the individual product for its material, thickness and manufacturing origin: wooden birds, clothing and other products have their own specifications.
Why does Corten steel change colour?
Outdoors, the steel develops a natural rust patina. Grey gives way to orange and brown tones, with the setting and weather doing their bit. The colour and timing vary. It is unpainted steel, so a permanent black finish is not part of the deal.
Where should I put it?
Choose a spot with good drainage. Rusty runoff can mark pale paving, pots and walls, particularly while the steel is weathering. Follow the mounting instructions for your particular bird or feeder.
See how patina develops · Find your bird · Installation and care help
The Patina Process:
That first flash of orange? Your steel bird is settling in. Corten weathering steel develops a natural rust patina, changing through orange and brown tones as it spends time outdoors.
How long does patina take?
There is no fixed timetable or guaranteed final colour. Rain, humidity, airflow and the position you choose all affect how the surface changes.
Will it stain nearby surfaces?
Rusty runoff can mark paving, pots and walls, especially during early weathering. Leave room around pale surfaces and choose a location where water can drain freely.
Is my bird painted black?
Corten birds are unpainted steel. Their finish changes naturally; they are not intended to stay permanently black. Check your product page for the exact material and care instructions.
Read about the material · Browse the birds · Ask us about care
what’s the word on the bird?
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