Abanico maorí Rhipidura fuliginosa

One of New Zealand’s best-known small endemic songbirds. Widespread throughout New Zealand in a variety of habitats, including urban parks and gardens. Uniquely characterized by a long white and black tail which it constantly flicks around and fans, and which is often the first thing visible. Will often approach people closely. Constantly on the move, hawking for insects in acrobatic flight. Uncommon all-black morph is present on the South Island and occasionally seen on the North Island. Listen for frequent vocal sounds consisting of a regular “cheep” or a squeaky “tweeta-tweeta-tweeta.”