Taxidermied Huia Pair Expected to Fetch Up to NZ$128,000 at London Auction

A rare taxidermied pair of huia birds could fetch up to NZ$128,000 at an auction in London. Organized by Roseberys London, the auction is scheduled for October 2024. The huia pair, consisting of a male and a female, dates back to the late 19th century and is considered extremely rare. Taxidermied huia specimens are seldom found on the market, and it is even rarer to find a pair that showcases both sexes.

The huia: A symbol of New Zealand’s extinct birds

The huia was once a prominent songbird of New Zealand’s North Island, but it was driven to extinction by human activities. Once widespread, the species’ population declined rapidly following human settlement due to introduced species and habitat loss. The huia was also heavily hunted, not only for its unique appearance but also because of its cultural significance to the Māori. Its prized tail feathers were a symbol of status and rank, worn by high-ranking Māori individuals. Naturalists also contributed significantly to the species’ decline by intensively collecting huia specimens.

The last confirmed sighting of a huia occurred in 1907, making the bird one of the most iconic symbols of New Zealand’s extinct species. One of the huia’s most notable features was its sexual dimorphism. Males had shorter, straight beaks, while females had long, curved beaks, enabling them to access different food sources. This makes a taxidermied huia pair featuring both a male and a female particularly valuable and sought after.

Huia pair as coveted as a huia feather

In May 2024, a single huia feather set a record at an auction in Auckland, selling for NZ$46,521, highlighting the ongoing interest in objects related to this extinct bird. The taxidermied huia pair now up for auction has been described by experts, according to Radio New Zealand, as particularly impressive, featuring deep, metallic bluish-black plumage, bright orange wattles, and long, white-tipped tail feathers, all in excellent condition.

The auction in London will open with a starting bid of NZ$60,000, offering a rare opportunity to acquire an extraordinary piece of natural history. Most taxidermied huia specimens today reside in museums or private collections, emphasizing the rarity of such items on the market.

In addition to the huia pair, the auction will feature other unique items, including a Louis Vuitton travel trunk from the 1920s and a piece of fruitcake from the 1947 wedding reception of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.