Abutilon flowers continuously throughout the seasons providing nectar for tui, waxeye and the occasional bellbird. Even in the colder months when other floral sources are unavailable, the branches tremble as small waxeyes dangle from twigs, using their short beaks to pierce the base of a flower and access the nectar.
Tui bend the branches low with their weight. Hanging upside down, their long hooked beaks can reach into the floral tube to drink without needing to make a hole.
Plant for the birds and they will come.
PS. Bees also get to feed on these same blooms throughout the year.
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