The New Zealand Fantail (Rhipidura
fuliginosa) is a darling little bird found throughout the country except in
extremely cold areas. The distinctive
fanning of its tail is what gives the bird its common name, and it is one of
our most recognised native species. About
15cm (6 inches) long, fantails feed mostly on insects such as moths, flies,
beetles and spiders, and this has meant it has been easy for them to adapt to
living with human settlers.
Fantails breed during spring and early summer, often raising
several broods, and like to make their nests among the forked branches of small
trees. Nests are woven out of moss,
bark, hair, dried grass etc., and frequently use lots of spider web. The eggs are cream with grey and brown spots
concentrated at the larger end of the egg.
Fantails are not afraid of people and will often enter
buildings and dwellings in search of food.
They are the only bird I have seen that always remembers where they
entered a room and consequently don’t panic when it comes time to leave again.
The Maori name for fantail is piwakawaka (say
pee-wocka-wocka), and in their folklore it was believed this bird was a messenger
bringing death or news of death. A bit
of an unfair reputation, I feel, for this lively little bird with its bright
eyes and friendly cheep.
Always enjoy birdsong,
Margaret.
Lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty bid. Smart, too, if it can remember how it got in and how to get back out!!
ReplyDeleteOops! I meant to say bird, not bid!
DeleteOh thank you for these photos. My favourite little NZ bird. I always photograph the ones at my Dad's place when I go home each year to visit.
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great feature on this bird; wonderful series of photographs and an informative narrative.
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful little creature aptly named,
ReplyDeleteIn Newfoundland,, the Canadian province where I was born, part of folklore is the belief that if a bird comes in the house, it is a sign of an impending death.
It is interesting the Maori believe it about this bird.
I have never seen this bird before, it really has a great tail!
ReplyDeleteI've seen them over the years in bush areas, they are very curious though.
ReplyDeleteVery much like the grey fantail we have here in Western Australia.
ReplyDeleteI love their piwakawaka name!
ReplyDelete