Fantail (Piwakawaka)


Habitat

Fantails are predominantly forest birds however they are one of the few natives who can live hand in hand with people and do relatively well. They are particularly visible in spring when protecting their nests.


Identification

The fantail is a very distinctive small bird with a fan like tail and small wings. They are largely brown-grey with accents of yellow under the breast and white under the wings and in the tail feathers. In flight they dart around like they've had too much caffein but this is mostly to freighten you away.


Links

Wikipedia, NZBirds.com, Dept of conservation, Kiwi Conservation Club, TeAra Encyclopedia


Summary

The fantail is one of the most common of our native birds thanks mainly to unusual predator awareness particularly when nesting. They will often follow walkers, tricking us into thinking the population is far larger then it really is. Don't worry they are after the insects you're disturbing as you walk.


Fantail
Fantail




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4 COMMENTS POSTED about Fantail (Piwakawaka)



Matt: (posted 2011-02-03 08:16:33)
You'll see lots of these in Percy's reserve in Petone around spring and early summer. They get quite teritorial when they've got younguns in the nest and see anyone nearby as a threat including us.


teuila: (posted 2011-04-15 18:38:38)
where in new zealand do you find fantail?


georgia: (posted 2011-06-09 12:30:21)
what sort if habitat does a fantail live in?


Matt: (posted 2011-06-09 12:33:25)
Usually found in forest or bushy areas. They are particularly noticeable in spring when they get quite territorial towards anything that comes near their nests.


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