Huia Gonna Call
The only call this Huia is making... is a wake-up one.
Before Metalbird took flight, there was just Phil and a sketch of a bird — and that very first Huia he made? It was holding a smartphone. A cheeky, slightly confronting symbol of the things we overlook when we’re not paying attention — and a reminder that some things, like the Huia itself, can’t be brought back once they’re gone.
As the first release in our Legacy Collection, the Huia with Smartphone puts a modern spin on a timeless tragedy — pairing extinct beauty with 21st-century irony. It’s the perfect gift for opinionated uncles, social scrollers, nature lovers... or anyone who can laugh at themselves and feel something while doing it.
✓ Uniquely sized – 22 cm high × 34 cm wide, approx. 300 g
✓ Locally made – Cut and crafted in a family-owned NZ factory
✓ Iconic silhouette – A modern twist on the most symbolic extinct bird
✓ Crafted to endure – Made from 3 mm Corten® steel that weathers naturally
✓ Easy to gift – Ships flat in an A4 presentation box (31 cm × 21 cm × 1 cm)
✓ Quick dispatch – Weekday orders before 2 pm ship same day
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Huia Gonna Call
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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