The New Zealand Fantail or Pīwakawaka (Rhipidura fuliginosa) is a small, active bird found throughout much of New Zealand.
It has a distinctive fanned tail and loud song, and often approaches within a metre or two of people. Its wide distribution and habitat preferences, including frequenting well-treed urban parks and gardens, means that most people encounter fantails occasionally.
There are two colour forms or ‘morphs’ of fantail, with the more common pied morph occurring throughout its range, and the black morph comprising up to 5% of the South Island population, and occasionally occurring in the North Island.
This bird - which was feeding on the insects attracted to seaweed thrown up on to the strand line of a beach on Stewart Island - is the common pied morph.
Quite the long tail for such a small bird. So pretty!
ReplyDeleteCute little guy.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos of this bird. He has a long tail
ReplyDeleteHari Om
ReplyDeleteWagtails just make me happy... YAM xx
Such a charming little bird! Always love how fearless and curious fantails are.
ReplyDeleteThe New Zealand Fantail, or Pīwakawaka, truly sounds like a delightful and charismatic little bird! Its energetic behavior and distinctive fanned tail must make it a joy to spot, especially given how approachable it is. The fact that it frequents urban parks and gardens means it's a bird that many people can enjoy encountering in their daily lives.
ReplyDeleteWhat a plump perspicacious sweetie!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beauty. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteChez nous on dit : MA-GNI-FIQUE !!!
ReplyDeleteattractive actions from cute little bird...... wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute bird!
ReplyDeleteHello Stewart :)
ReplyDeleteThe New Zealand Fantail is adorable. Sorry I didn't link up but I'm just out of practice. I''ll link up next time.
All the best
Sonjia