A rare display of Victorian taxidermy birds is expected to make thousands when it lands on the auction block.

The late Victorian glazed case, crafted by leading taxidermist Robert Clarke of Kings Lynn around 1900, contains taxidermy specimens of birds of Australasia.

Among these are a rose-crowned fruit dove, a Regent bower bird, a noisy pitta, a nightjar, and a magpie-lark, all of which are mounted on a branched faux tree stump.

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However, what raises the display's allure are male and female specimens of the extinct New Zealand huia birds.

The huia bird, which was only found in select mountain ranges on the north island, is steeped richly in the lore and traditions of the Maori people, who regard the bird as sacred.

The females have a long arched beak, while the males have a short and stout one.

The species became extinct due to overhunting for their unique skins and tail feathers, which were valued greatly among the gentry.

Deforestation also played a role.

The final sighting of a huia was over 100 years ago, in 1907.

The display was brought to Moreton auctioneers, Kinghams, by a private client from Herefordshire.

Lot 160 in the upcoming Fine & Decorative Arts auction set for Thursday, July 25, is expected to fetch between £30,000 and £50,000.

The auction will also feature a single pristine tail feather from the huia bird in Lot 161, which is estimated to bring £2,000-5,000.

A similar pair fetched a record £220,000 at auction last year.