Birds
File:Grey Fantail. Rhipidura albiscapa - Flickr - gailhampshire (1).jpg

New Zealand Fantail

New Zealand Fantail

100
16 hours ago
Not yet spotted on Fladder
Spotted
The New Zealand Fantail is an iconic and highly adaptable bird, famous for its energetic aerial displays and characteristic fan-shaped tail. Its plumage is typically grey-brown with a creamy belly and distinct white throat and eyebrow. It is a fearless and curious insectivore, often approaching humans closely.
Where to spot
Endemic to New Zealand, also found on Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island. It is highly adaptable and found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, woodlands, parks, gardens, and even urban areas.
How to spot
Look for its acrobatic flight, constant tail-fanning, and close approach. Its distinct white throat and eyebrow, along with its 'chit-chit' call, are key identification features. They are generally unafraid and easy to observe.
When to spot
Active during daylight hours, observable year-round. It is a resident species and often one of the first birds encountered by visitors.
File:Grey Fantail. Rhipidura albiscapa - Flickr - gailhampshire (1).jpg
File:Grey Fantail (Rhipidura albiscapa), Australia (31301502401).jpg
File:Grey Fantail (Rhipidura albiscapa).jpg
File:Grey Fantail (Rhipidura albiscapa) (12477106103).jpg
File:Grey Fantail (Rhipidura albiscapa) (8079681296).jpg
File:Grey Fantail (rhipidura albiscapa) 03.jpg
File:Grey fantail (Rhipidura albiscapa albiscapa) Hobart.jpg
File:Rhipidura albiscapa.jpg
File:Rhipidura albiscapa -Victoria, Australia-8.jpg
File:Grey Fantail. Rhipidura albiscapa - Flickr - gailhampshire (1).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Grey Fantail (Rhipidura albiscapa), Australia (31301502401).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Grey Fantail (Rhipidura albiscapa).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Grey Fantail (Rhipidura albiscapa) (12477106103).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Grey Fantail (Rhipidura albiscapa) (8079681296).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Grey Fantail (rhipidura albiscapa) 03.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Grey fantail (Rhipidura albiscapa albiscapa) Hobart.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Rhipidura albiscapa.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Rhipidura albiscapa -Victoria, Australia-8.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
The New Zealand Fantail has a unique habit of flying very close to people, apparently using their movements to flush out insects, which it then swiftly catches.
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Spotted

Recently spotted
2396 (Seen in the last 3 months)
Last spotted
16 hours ago

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