huia

American  

[hoo-yuh] / ˈhu yə /

noun

1. an apparently extinct, crowlike bird, Heteralocha acutirostris, of New Zealand, noted for the completely different bill shapes of the male and female.

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huia British  

/ ˈhʊɪjə /

noun

1. an extinct bird of New Zealand, Heteralocha acutirostris, prized by early Māoris for its distinctive tail feathers

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Etymology

Origin of huia

First recorded in 1835–45, huia is from the Maori word hūia

Example Sentences

The huia was a small songbird of the wattlebird family in New Zealand and was known for its jumping abilities and beautiful plumage, which is distinct for the white tip across the edge.

From BBC • May 22, 2024

The huia bird was sacred to the Māori people.

From BBC • May 22, 2024

In the past, the huia feathers were a status mark to Māori people.

From BBC • May 22, 2024

The huia vanished before field-recording technologies existed, but a version of its song has survived by means of an eerie series of preservations: a sound fossil.

From The Guardian • Apr. 1, 2016

While you are still in the act of wavering the son of the house says, "Try a little huia."

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 159, 1920-10-06 by Seaman, Owen, Sir