Fantail / Pīwakawaka

The Fantail, also known as the Pīwakawaka, is a small bird native to New Zealand. It is known for its distinctive fan-shaped tail and active, acrobatic behavior. The Fantail has a grey-brown plumage with white underparts and a black band across its eyes. They are found throughout the country, both in native and introduced forests, and are a common sight in many gardens. They feed on small insects and spiders, often foraging in the air or among the leaves of trees and shrubs. The Fantail is a friendly and curious bird, known for its willingness to approach people and its ability to adapt to human-modified environments. They are not considered threatened but their population may fluctuate depending on the availability of food and breeding sites.