Waxeye / Tauhou & Chicks

Name: Waxeye / Tauhou & Chicks
Brand: Metalbird New Zealand
SKU: NZ-PAI-WAXC
Price: 79.95 NZD
Availability: InStock

$79.95

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Description

Tiny in size, mighty in motherhood.
Meet the Tauhou – also known as the Silvereye or Waxeye – one of Aotearoa’s most common yet endearing native birds. With their delicate green plumage and signature white eye-rings, these birds are constant garden companions, darting between branches in cheerful, fluttering flocks.

Our silhouette captures the Tauhou in full supermum mode – feeding her hungry chicks straight from the nest. It’s a heartwarming moment of nature brought to life in weathering Corten steel. Whether you're gifting it to a mum, celebrating the wild life in your backyard, or just want to bring more native joy to your space, this little sculpture is full of big meaning.

Our Tauhou & Chicks is:

✓ Delightfully detailed – 17cm high × 26cm wide, approx. 300g
✓ Gift-ready – packed in our standard A4 box (31cm × 21cm × 1cm)
✓ Dispatched fast – same-day shipping on weekday orders before 2pm
✓ Made in Aotearoa – proudly crafted in a family-run NZ factory
✓ Built for the outdoors – 3mm Corten steel forms a rust-like patina over time
✓ A meaningful moment – a tribute to parenthood, wildlife, and the small things

Just like a Waxeye — nimble, fast, and great in the garden.

1. Pick your perfect perch — a tree, fence post, or raised garden bed.
2. Hold the piece at a downward angle for better grip and realism.
3. Tap the thickest part of the stake with a hammer or mallet until firmly in place.
4. Make sure it’s secure, especially if you live somewhere windy.
5. Step back and admire — this tiny bird family is ready to brighten your backyard.

Top Tip: If installing into hardwood or a tight post, pre-drill a small pilot hole to make it easier to tap in.

How did the Waxeye get its name?
Their signature white ring around each eye looks like it was painted on – hence “Waxeye.” The Māori name “Tauhou” means “new arrival,” as they only self-introduced in the 1800s.

Is this a good gift for a parent or grandparent?
Absolutely! It’s a beautiful symbol of nurture, care, and connection — especially meaningful for parents or caregivers.

Will it attract real Waxeyes to my garden?
Yes! These curious birds are often drawn to shiny or familiar shapes — and especially to fruit nearby.

Can it be installed in a tree, or only posts?
It works in both! Trees, fence posts, planter boxes — anywhere you can get the stake firmly tapped in.

How does it age over time?
The Corten steel develops a rich, weathered patina that protects the sculpture and blends beautifully into natural surroundings.

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$79.95

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Each Metalbird is crafted from Corten® Steel, a premium, weathering steel made to last.

When it meets the elements, it doesn’t rust like your old BBQ. It transforms.

That change you’re seeing? That’s patina. A tough, protective outer layer that seals the steel, adds character, and preserves your bird for decades.

This isn’t paint. It’s nature’s way of ageing gracefully.

The Patina Process:

At first, you’ll notice bright orange spots (we call this the teenage phase). Soon enough, the whole bird will turn a bold orange, slowly shifting into deep burnt umber. Eventually, it settles into a moody charcoal that feels like it’s always belonged.

The Result? A piece of industrial art with a heartbeat. No peeling, no fading, just a bird that gets better with age.