New Zealand Fernbird
Poodytes punctatus
Small passerine endemic to New Zealand. Shows extensive brown streaking above with paler coloration underneath. Distinctive long tail has a frayed look. Both sexes and juveniles alike. Patchily distributed across North, South, Stewart, and Snares Islands in wetland habitat, often where vegetation is thick. Can occur in shrubland and tussock grassland. Cryptic bird, heard more often than seen. Gives a sharp “tchip” call and a metallic “u-tick,” often in duet as a pair. Note drooping tail during low flight. Distinguishable from Dunnock by larger size, longer tail, and lighter underparts.
Identification
The New Zealand fernbird or simply fernbird (Poodytes punctatus) is an insectivorous bird endemic to New Zealand. In the Māori language, it is named kōtātā or mātātā.
Taxonomy
Genus: Poodytes; Family: Locustellidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Poodytes punctatus
- Authority
- (Quoy & Gaimard, 1832)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Locustellidae
- Genus
- Poodytes
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Olive-tree Warbler
Hippolais olivetorum
Large warbler with long wings. Pale olive-gray overall with whitish underparts. Bill is long and thick with prominent pale orange-yellow lower mandible. Also note the prominent pale mid-wing panel. The tail is long and dark gray, but the tail is not as impressive as in Upcher's Warbler. Much slower-moving than the smaller Hippolais or Iduna species as it hops in bushes and trees. Breeds in open woodlands, Mediterranean scrub, and orchards. During the non-breeding season, found in various habitats including arid zones. Song is a jumbled series of somewhat deep, throaty notes. Call is a deep “chack.”
Puff-backed Bulbul
Microtarsus eutilotus
Brown bulbul with a sparse, wispy crest. Darker above and paler below. Grayish face, thick black bill, and plain coloration make this a readily identifiable species, albeit an unremarkable one. Gives a sweet, quiet warble: “chee-wee’li’li’wee”. Primarily a lowland species, but ascends into hill forest in some areas. Found in mature forest, forest edges, and tall secondary growth. Often joins other species in mixed flocks, usually at mid-level.
Lark Bunting
Calamospiza melanocorys
Chunky, thick-billed sparrow that prefers wide open habitats. Breeding males are unmistakable: mostly jet black with a bold white wing patch. Nonbreeding males and females are overall streaky brown, but still show white wing patch. Always look for the thick silvery bill. Breeds in grasslands, especially shortgrass prairies. In migration and winter, can be found in open areas from grassland to desert to agricultural areas. Sometimes gathers in huge flocks in winter. Usually seen on the ground or perched on a fence.
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