| Fernbird | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Megaluridae |
| Genus: | Bowdleria |
| Species: | B. punctata |
| Binomial name | |
| Bowdleria punctata (Quoy & Gaimard, 1830) |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Megalurus punctatus |
|
The Fernbird (Bowdleria punctata) is an insectivorous bird endemic to New Zealand. The Māori names are Kōtātā or Mātātā. It is a rich brown above and white below, with brown spots on both the throat and breast. Early settlers called it the "Swamp Sparrow" no doubt because of its colouration.[1] The tail feathers are thin, dark brown, and spine-like. The birds reach a length of 18 cm (7 in) - as measured from tip of beak to end of tail. However,almost half of that is tail[1]
The Fernbird is a ground-dwelling bird, and is a reluctant flier, travelling mainly on foot or in occasional short flights of less than 15 metres. In the 19th century Buller described it as "one of our most common"[1] (birds) but it has been adversely affected by the subsequent widespread destruction of its natural (wetland) habitat following European settlement and is now rare[1]
There are six fully protected sub-species of Fernbird:
Bowdleria (punctata) rufescens (the Chatham Islands Fernbird) is believed to have become extinct circa 1900.
The birds nest in sedges or other vegetation close to the ground, making a deep woven cup of dried rushes lined with feathers. Breeding occurs from September to February, producing clutches of 2-3 pinkish-white eggs with brown or purple speckles.
Māori revered the Fernbird as an "oracle" or "Wise bird" (Manu tohu).[1] The calls of the bird were interpreted as heralding success or faliure in daily activities such as fishing but on a more serious level could also portend prosperity and health or disaster and death.[1]