Fantail

Commonly seen along track edges and in gardens, and will probably find you first.

Story

In Māori tradition the fantail brought death into the world. Its laughter woke Hine-nui-te-pō as Māui tried to pass through her body to win immortality, and she killed him.

Behaviour

Fantails follow walkers closely to snap up the insects they disturb. They flick their wings and fan their tails to flush hidden prey, and often come within a metre or two.