The Burke has added a small display of mounted bird specimens in the lobby, in response to visitors' questions about what kind of bird feathers are used in Maori cloaks and baskets displayed in Toi Maori: The Eternal Thread (the current exhibit showing in the Special Exhibits Gallery).

The Maori have used feathers to decorate cloaks and baskets (kete) for many generations. Their knowledge, respect, and appreciation of the beauty and diversity of New Zealand's birds are clearly evident in their artwork.

Feathers used in the Eternal Thread exhibit are from seven native species of New Zealand birds, plus several non-native species. All seven native species are displayed in the lobby cases, along with pheasant and guineafowl. Some of the birds are protected or are endangered species, such as the kiwi and keruru. Feathers from these and other protected birds are placed in a "feather bank" and are made available to Maori weavers through an application process. Maori weavers have aided New Zealand's conservation efforts by adapting their styles to include feathers from non-native birds.