Sticky native kills birds

By ANNE BESTON and ZOE BAIRD

Auckland bird rescue staff say more birds than usual are being killed by the sticky parapara tree this year.

The tree (Heimerliodendron), also known as the bird catcher tree, is a native that produces black sticky seeds, which trap insects and small birds.

Pam Howlett of Tamaki Bird Rescue in Pakuranga says the trees appear to have produced more seeds than usual this year. The trend to native plants means more trees are being planted.

Parapara planted in some Auckland parks a few years ago are also flowering for the first time.

"I'm getting more birds this year than ever before. I would like to see all the trees chopped down," Mrs Howlett said.

The trees like a warm climate and grow throughout Greater Auckland and in northern coastal areas.

Auckland Museum botany curator Ewen Cameron said the trees were not a problem in the wild.

"In the wild, birds virtually never get caught; it's only silly city birds that haven't grown up with it that seem to get stuck."

He said small birds were vulnerable, although Mrs Howlett said moreporks had also been trapped in the trees.

Mr Cameron said nurseries should consider labelling the trees but a shrub buyer at Kings Plant Barn, Darryl Walker, said very few were sold each year. "It's a nasty plant for birds but we do warn our customers to cut the flowers off so it doesn't seed."