The fantail is a tiny bird with a tail that looks like a fan. The name fantail in maori is
the Pīwakawaka. The colours can be gold and different types of brown and black and
white
the Pīwakawaka. The colours can be gold and different types of brown and black and
white
They live in gardens, forests and orchards and they can live anywhere from the sea
level to the snowline. It is mainly found in the South Island of New Zealand.
level to the snowline. It is mainly found in the South Island of New Zealand.
Fantail threats are cats, rats, stoats and sometimes other birds.
It eats insects like flies,moths,wasps,beetles and mosquitoes and spiders. the fantail hop
around upside down amongst tree ferns and foliage to pick insects from the underside
of leaves. The fantail flies around and disturbs insects by flushing them out and then
eating them.
around upside down amongst tree ferns and foliage to pick insects from the underside
of leaves. The fantail flies around and disturbs insects by flushing them out and then
eating them.
The fantail are quite friendly and come close to humans.The birds sing with simple
rhythmical twitters and squeaky chattering.
rhythmical twitters and squeaky chattering.
The males perform to attract females.
When fantails pair,they remain together all year. The fantails breeding spots can be in
shrubs or tree ferns.
shrubs or tree ferns.
By Eamon
