The History and Culture of Starlings in New Zealand

Maori regard New Zealand myna as a sacred symbol. Whenever they hold a ceremony, the elders of the clan always bring New Zealand starlings to worship God. They also believe that if a newly married man dreams of a bird, he will have children. If it's a New Zealand starling, it must be a female. If it is a white deer, it must be a boy. 1835, the missionary William first let Europeans know the existence of New Zealand starlings. The capture of New Zealand starlings by indigenous people for a ceremony did not reduce their number, but as European immigrants came to the island to reclaim virgin forests, their survival was completely destroyed and birds became victims at gunpoint. Soon, the real threat came. At the beginning of the 20th century, the then British king and his wife visited New Zealand and were warmly welcomed by the local people. The king put the feathers of New Zealand myna presented by local people in his hat, and local people, European aristocrats and rich people followed suit. On February 28th, the last New Zealand starling died in the forest.