Maori name for a New Zealand bird,like a starling, Heteralocha acutirostris, Gould, oflimited occurrence, chiefly found in North Island; having beakstraight and short in the male, long and curved in female. Thetail feathers are highly prized for ornament by the Maoris.
1845. E. J. Wakefield, `Adventures in New Zealand,' vol. i.p. 91:
«The huia is a black bird about as large as a thrush, with longthin legs and a slender semi-circular beak, which he uses inseeking in holes of trees for the insects on which he feeds.In the tail are four long black feathers tipt with white.These feathers are much valued by the natives as ornaments forthe hair on great occasions. . . . The natives attracted thebirds by imitating the peculiar whistle, from which it takesthe name of huia.»
1883. F. S. Renwick, `Betrayed,' p. 36:
«One snow-tipped hui feather graced his hair.»
1888. W. L. Buller, `Birds of New Zealand,' vol. i. p. 7:
[A full description.]