Mears Bush
Wildlife at Mears Bush
Bellbird
Fantail
Image source: New Zealand Department of Conservation
Photo credit: Shellie Evans
The distinct colours of the Bellbird.
Scientific name: Anthornis Melanura
Common name: Bellbird
Maori name: Korimako or Makomak
Bellbirds are green with a short curved bill and a slightly forked tail.
Their song varies regionally but its ringing notes are without grunts or wheezes. They sing mostly at dawn or dusk in places with few other bird species.
A young Fantail
Scientific Name: Rhipidura
Common Name: Fantail
Maori Name: Piwakawaka
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Fantails are native to New Zealand. There are many different types of Fantails. First the black one. It is rare in the North island and only makes up 5% of fantails in the South island. The white fantail however are prone to predators are much rarer. The normal fantails that you will see are just common brown fantails and are all around the north and south island of New Zealand.
Image source: New Zealand Department of Conversation
Photo credit: Brendan Bombaci
Green with a short curved bill.
Bellbirds breed in spring and summer building a loose nest of twigs and grasses . The clutch size is typically 3-4, rarely 5 eggs. The female incubates and both parents care for the young.
Piwakawaka showing off
Facts about fantails
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In the south island fantails signify good luck however in the north island is the opposite
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Fantails use their tail to quickly change directions while hunting
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They have a short life span of only 2-5 years.
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While they may eat small fruit they eat mostly invertebrates.