Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre
We had a Morepork come in today who was covered in the seeds and sap of the dreaded Parapara tree or ‘bird catching tree’ as it’s also called, and for a good reason!
In spring and summer, the parapara develops a glue- like coating on its seeds, designed to aid in seed dispersal, but remains sticky for months, trapping birds.
Why do birds get caught?
Birds are attracted to the seeds, possibly because of bugs stuck in the seed pods, and become entangled when they try to feed or fly.
Where it grows?
It’s typically found on islands and coastal areas of the North Island, and is present in Auckland.
We use a citrus based solvent here at the centre which is safe on the birds and won’t cause any irritation like some other common things used at home would. Please - If you find a bird that has been caught in a Parapara tree, bring it up to us rather than trying to remove them yourself
From what I can make out, it looks like the bare handed person is lifting a wing, but this poor Ruru was a mess! 🫣
Crazy. This glue trap tree has leaves that remind me of Nerium oleander which is a commun ornmalental around me, but beneficial for the bird as they eat the berry like fruit.
Interesting. We don’t have oleander near me, but Wikipedia said some is grown along the Gulf Coast and California.
It sounds almost the opposite of this glue trap tree, as oleander seems poisonous to nearly everything but birds, and the sap will give you a rash.
We might have to start c/plantsaremetal if we keep finding these crazy murder plants. 😆