NEW ZEALAND's BIRDS

Fantail

(Rhipidura fuliginosa) - (Piwakawaka)

(Photo: Nga Manu Nature Reserve)
Although one of New Zealand's commonest birds, it is much loved for it's perky dancing character, aerobatics and tameness. The fantail is divided into subspecies on the main island groups and has a pied and a black phase. The black phase is mainly seen in the South Island. Like many New Zealand birds they are vulnerable at the nest to predation by rats.


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 - photo copyright Penguin PlaceKaka on Kapiti Island - photo copyright Aaron Russ