Huia
A tribute to one of New Zealand’s most treasured lost birds.
Once seen swooping through the forest with striking white-tipped tail feathers, the Huia is now a haunting symbol of extinction. The last confirmed sighting was in 1907, and the bird’s disappearance is blamed on habitat destruction and a tragic fashion craze for its feathers.
Our Huia silhouette lets you honour this irreplaceable wattlebird with art that endures. Named for its mournful call—“uia, uia, uia” (where are you?)—this piece brings the Huia’s spirit home to your garden, where it can be remembered every day.
✓ Life-sized silhouette – 22 cm high × 34 cm wide, approx. 300 g
✓ Perfectly giftable – Ships flat in our A4 box (31 × 21 × 1 cm)
✓ Fast dispatch – Same-day shipping on weekday orders before 2 pm
✓ Made in Aotearoa – Locally crafted in a family-run NZ workshop
✓ Weather-friendly – 3 mm Corten® steel forms a protective patina over time
✓ Heirloom quality – Designed to last a lifetime outdoors
Style With
Huia
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