Honeydew is a sweet, sticky substance excreted by scale insects, which live in large numbers on the trunks of beech trees. It is an important food source for tūī and bellbirds when nectar is in short supply. This tūī is collecting honeydew drops from fine, hair-like tubes that protrude from each insect. Introduced common wasps compete with birds for this food.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
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