New Zealand Fantail

Overview

The New Zealand fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa) is a small, insectivorous bird and the only species of its kind in New Zealand. It is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and is known by the Māori names pīwakawaka, tīwakawaka, or piwaiwaka.

Identification

• Mid to dark grey or grey-brown plumage above with a yellowish or orange underside, featuring a dark band across the chest below a white throat.
• Approximately 16 cm in length, with the tail comprising half of the bird's length and often displayed in a fan shape.
• Distinctive white markings over the eye, and outer tail feathers that are either white-edged or entirely white depending on the subspecies.
• Produces a call described as an almost metallic 'cheek', often repeated as a chattering sound.

Habitat

The species is found across New Zealand, with distinct subspecies on the South Island, North Island, and Chatham Islands, while a fourth subspecies is extinct on Lord Howe Island. The bird is notably unshy and frequently inhabits forested areas as well as suburban gardens where it can forage near human activity.

Diet

As an insectivore, the bird flits constantly between perches, such as tree twigs and the ground, to catch small flying insects. It often feeds on insects disturbed by human movements such as walking or digging.

Did you know?

The bird features prominently in Māori mythology as a messenger of death, with its bulbous eyes attributed to being squeezed by Māui for failing to reveal the whereabouts of the fire deity Mahuika.