The berries of this small tree are eaten by a number of native birds, including Kererū and Tui, while geckos of the genus Naultinus have also been observed to supplement their primarily insectivorous diet with consumption of these berries.
Kereru, tui (bird) which appears almost black except for a white tuft under its chin, fantail, Grey Warbler, Red-billed Gull, Southern Black-backed Gull (see Kelp Gull), South Island Pied Oystercatcher and the closely related Variable Oystercatcher (Haematopus unicolor), Pied Shag, Kingfisher, and White-faced Heron.
The name Tututawa is said to mean "bird snares set in Tawa trees", and this is affirmed by the significant population of wood pigeon (kereru) that graze upon the lush purple berries of the remaining Tawa trees.