Pūteketeke / Crested Grebe

Name: Pūteketeke / Crested Grebe
Brand: Metalbird USA
SKU: US-LAR-PUTE
Price: 74.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7611940298507465 (67 reviews)

$74.99

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Description

Meet the bird of the century... the one and only Pūteketeke!

The unlikely (and iconic) winner of New Zealand’s Bird of the Century competition hosted by Forest & Bird, the Pūteketeke stunned the world with an unexpected campaign push from across the Pacific. When comedian and talk show host John Oliver launched a wildly creative campaign to back the bird, hundreds of thousands of Americans flocked to the polls to support this majestic creature known for its synchronized swimming, elaborate mating rituals, and bushy head crest.

Our Pūteketeke silhouette celebrates that unbelievable moment when American chaos met New Zealand conservation... and magic happened.

Because no Pūteketeke is complete without their loudest supporter, you can add a clip-on John Oliver at checkout for $19.99 – a cheeky bonus that captures the spirit of the whole wild ride.

It’s more than a bird. It’s a moment in pop culture history... and a truly powerful symbol of global love for nature.

✓ 14.5 inches high by 14 inches wide (excluding branch), approx. 28oz
✓ Easy to send. Ships in a 16" x 13" x 1/4" flat box that fits in a postal mailer
✓ Same-day dispatch. On weekday orders before 2pm
✓ Made in the USA. Cut and crafted in a family-owned factory
✓ Built for the elements. Made from USA 1/8" Corten® steel, designed to weather beautifully
✓ Easy to install. Designed to stand proud on horizontal surfaces

Perch it with pride... Pūteketeke-style.

The Pūteketeke is a standing-style silhouette, made to shine on any elevated flat surface. Here's how to do it:

1. Choose a flat, horizontal surface like a deck railing, fence post, or planter box edge
2. Hold your Pūteketeke steady with the stake pointing down at an angle
3. Tap the thickest part of the stake with a hammer or mallet until secure
4. Step back and admire... your bird of the century has landed

Top tip: Want the full experience? Add John Oliver on at checkout – he's designed to clip directly to your Pūteketeke for the ultimate display of bird democracy.

Wait, is this the viral Bird of the Century?
Yes! The Pūteketeke shot to global fame thanks to John Oliver's hilarious (and strangely effective) campaign. It’s now an international symbol of joyful protest and conservation success.

Where should I install it?
Anywhere flat and horizontal – deck rails, fence posts, garden boxes. Just give it a perch worthy of bird royalty.

Is John Oliver really included?
Not by default – but you can add him at checkout as a separate clip-on figure. And yes, he really does look like he’s our Pūteketeke's baby!

Will it survive the weather?
It was made for it. Crafted from USA Corten® steel, your Pūteketeke is built to develop a rich patina that protects it over time – rain or shine.

Can I gift it to a bird nerd / comedy lover / proud New Zealander?
That’s the whole point. It’s an unforgettable conversation starter and one of the most unique bird gifts we’ve ever made.

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$74.99

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.