Antics: Sound Bird - Fantail

The Fantail is a small native forest bird affectionately known for its chirpy nature as it flits from branch to branch along side trampers in New Zealand bush waiting for insects to appear. Using their fanned tail they are very maneuverable, changing direction quickly whilst catching moths, flies, spiders, wasps and beetles on the wing. They seldom feed on the ground.

The Fantail lifespan is quite short (less than 3 years) but these busy little birds breed early and prolifically with as many as 5 layings on one season. That's a lot of nest building and feeding.