Pīwakawaka

Location: -45° 0’ 43.0" +168° 38’ 23.8"

The New Zealand fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa), or Pīwakawaka, holds a unique place in Māori mythology. According to legend, the fantail caused Maui’s death by laughing and waking the goddess of death, Hine-nui-te-pō, during his attempt to conquer mortality.

Despite habitat changes caused by humans, the fantail has adapted well. Its diverse diet of insects makes it resilient, as some insect populations thrive in disturbed or deforested areas. However, it faces threats from predators like cats, rats, stoats, and mynas, which also target native birds. Only a few of the eggs and chicks produced survive to adulthood.

The fantail’s ability to produce many offspring is key to its survival. Some chicks escape predation, allowing populations to recover quickly after declines. These birds are agile hunters, using their broad tails to change direction swiftly while chasing insects. They often hop upside-down among foliage to snatch insects from leaves but rarely feed on the ground.

Unfortunately, fantails have short lifespans, with the oldest recorded individual living only 3 years. They form breeding pairs that stay together year-round, though high mortality rates often mean pairs rarely last more than one season.