Pūteketeke / Crested Grebe
Meet the bird of the century, the one and only Pūteketeke! The unlikely winner of New Zealand’s “bird of the century” competition hosted by conservation group Forest and Bird, the Pūteketeke had an unexpected ally this year: the United States of America. In a strange turn of events, chat show host John Oliver campaigned aggressively for this slender necked waterbird, sending hundreds of thousands of US voters to the polls to support the bird best known for synchronized dancing and elaborate mating rituals.
Because no Pūteketeke is complete without their biggest supporter, you can add a clip-on John Oliver at cart for $19.99.
This Metalbird (& friend) will immortalize the year that America crashed a kiwi tradition, and raised a huge amount of money and support for New Zealand’s native birds in the process! It just goes to show, anything can happen in politics.
Our Pūteketeke is :
✓ Effortless install:
- Drill a pilot hole (recommended - but not essential): use a drill bit that’s
one size smaller than the spike (tight enough to hold) - Tap Tap Tap: Grab your bird and gently tap the spike into your surface with a
hammer or mallet. About 1 to 2 inches deep is plenty, just enough to hold its
weight. - Step back: and admire your art.
Inserting into brick, stone, or concrete?
Style With
Pūteketeke / Crested Grebe
AS SEEN IN
Each Metalbird is crafted from Corten® Steel, a premium, weathering steel made to last.
When it meets the elements, it doesn’t rust like your old BBQ. It transforms.
That change you’re seeing? That’s patina. A tough, protective outer layer that seals the steel, adds character, and preserves your bird for decades.
This isn’t paint. It’s nature’s way of ageing gracefully.
The Patina Process:
At first, you’ll notice bright orange spots (we call this the teenage phase). Soon enough, the whole bird will turn a bold orange, slowly shifting into deep burnt umber. Eventually, it settles into a moody charcoal that feels like it’s always belonged.
The Result? A piece of industrial art with a heartbeat. No peeling, no fading, just a bird that gets better with age.
