New Zealand Fantail
A species of Fantails, Also known as New Zealand Gray Fantail, New Zealand Pied Fantail, Pied Fantail, Nz Fantail, Fantail Scientific name : Rhipidura fuliginosa Genus : Fantails
New Zealand Fantail, A species of Fantails
Also known as:
New Zealand Gray Fantail, New Zealand Pied Fantail, Pied Fantail, Nz Fantail, Fantail
Botanical name: Rhipidura fuliginosa
Genus: Fantails
Content
Description People often ask General Info
Description
The only fantail species in New Zealand, the new Zealand Fantail is a small bird that is often encountered in parks and backyards. It is well adapted to human presence and very comfortable around people. This extremely active and acrobatic bird is well-known for its agile flight and frequent twists and turns. It's an insectivorous songbird, known for its cheerful "cheat cheet" call.
Size
16 cm
Life Expectancy
2-5 years
Nest Placement
Tree
Feeding Habits
New Zealand Fantail primarily feasts on small invertebrates including moths, flies, beetles, and spiders, supplemented with fruit. It showcases unique hunting tactics by capturing prey mid-air or foraging among foliage. Distinguished by active chasing and aerial acrobatics, new Zealand Fantail is an opportunistic feeder, adapting its diet according to availability.
Habitat
The new Zealand Fantail is commonly found in a variety of wooded habitats, from extensive native forests and shrublands to smaller patches of forest and scrubland. These birds also adapt well to altered landscapes, including exotic plantations, farm shelterbelts, orchards, and suburban parks and gardens. Their range spans across broad elevations, from coastal areas up to 1500 meters, including subalpine regions, though they are less common in alpine zones. During the non-breeding season, new Zealand Fantail tend to migrate to lower and drier habitats from higher elevations.
Dite type
Insectivorous
People often ask
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Behavior
During waking hours the bird is almost never still. It flits from perch to perch, sometimes on the ground but mostly on the twigs of a tree or any other convenient object, looking out for flying insects. Under cold temperatures a flock of fantails will huddle to stay warm. 
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
Fantails Genus
Fantails Species
New Zealand Fantail 
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