Story: Small forest birds

Fantail flitting

Fantails fly with a rapid darting movement. Their fan-like tail helps them make sudden changes of direction, in flight and when perching. At the start of this video you can hear their call – a gentle kissing sound. A bellbird can also be heard calling nearby.

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How to cite this page:

Christina Troup, 'Small forest birds - Fantails and silvereyes', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/12489/fantail-flitting (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Christina Troup, published 24 Sep 2007, reviewed & revised 17 Feb 2015, updated 1 Aug 2023