Animalscaretips
The fantail is one of the few native bird species in New Zealand that has been able to adapt to an environment greatly altered by humans. Originally a bird of open native forests and scrub, it is now also found in exotic plantation forests, in orchards and in gardens.
- What countries have fantails?
- When did fantails come to NZ?
- Why do fantails follow you?
- Why are fantails bad luck?
- What is the spiritual meaning of a fantail?
- Are fantails native to New Zealand?
- Do fantails mate for life?
- Do Australia have fantails?
- What does a fantail symbolize?
- What trees do fantails nest in?
- What trees do fantails like?
- What does a fantail in the house mean?
- What does it mean when a fantail comes into the house?
- Does a bird in the house mean death?
What countries have fantails?
Distribution and habitat
Fantails are an Australasian family that has spread from as far as Samoa to northern India. In the south the grey fantail ranges as far as The Snares off New Zealand, in the eastern extent of the family has several endemic forms in western Polynesia.
When did fantails come to NZ?
The related willie wagtail has reached New Zealand on one occasion. Fantails occur widely from Northland to Stewart Island, and on some islands of the Chathams group (Chatham, Pitt, Rangatira, Mangere, Little Mangere). They colonised the Snares group during 1977-81, but disappeared during a severe storm in 2001.
Why do fantails follow you?
Fantails are commonly spotted as they follow you along a trail. ... Although it may seem purely friendly – you're actually stirring up their food! Fantails follow humans along walking tracks because we disturb the ground and stir up the flies and other small insects for the Fantails to snack on.
Why are fantails bad luck?
The fantail or piwakawaka is one of our native birds. ... The Maori people consider it bad luck if a fantail flies inside a building. They say the fantail is a messenger and it's appearance means death or news of death is imminent.
What is the spiritual meaning of a fantail?
In Māori mythology, the fantail was responsible for the presence of death in the world. Maui, thinking he could eradicate death by successfully passing through the goddess of death, Hine-nui-te-po, tried to enter the goddess's sleeping body through the pathway of birth.
Are fantails native to New Zealand?
The Fantail is native, but not endemic to New Zealand. This means that it lives in New Zealand naturally, but it can still be found elsewhere. There are 10 sub-species of Fantails, three of which live in New Zealand.
Do fantails mate for life?
Fantail pairs stay together year round, the two birds working as a team to build the first nest of the season, usually in August.
Do Australia have fantails?
The Grey Fantail is found throughout Australia.
What does a fantail symbolize?
The fantail has many different Māori names. In one Māori tradition, it was the fantail that caused Māui's death, so it is known as a harbinger of death when seen inside a house. A fidgety person is described as a fantail's tail, because of the bird's restless movements.
What trees do fantails nest in?
The forests comprise broadleaf tree species with scattered native podocarps and exotic pine trees. We monitored nests between December 2014 and February 2015, across four reserves in Wellington and again between August 2015 and February 2016, for a second, complete breeding season throughout the city (20 reserves).
What trees do fantails like?
To keep out of the reach of predators, fantails and waxeyes prefer to build their nests in the branches of tall shrubs like manuka. Grasses and reeds like dwarf flax are great for providing nesting material as well as generally providing shelter.
What does a fantail in the house mean?
In one tradition, it was the fantail that caused Māui's death, so it is a harbinger of death when seen inside in a house.
What does it mean when a fantail comes into the house?
According to Maori tribal legend, a fantail flying into your house means death. Even as I write this, that little bird is in the tree outside, squeaking and chirping with urgency.
Does a bird in the house mean death?
A bird that flies into a house foretells an important message. However, if the bird dies, or is white, this foretells death.
