Story: Wetland birds

Fernbird with chicks

Fernbird with chicks

Fernbirds or mātātā are secretive birds that live in dense rush-like or scrubby vegetation at the edges of pakihi or swamp, or in regenerating forest. They are difficult to follow as they thread through tightly interlocking vegetation. Fernbirds lay about three pale pink eggs with flecks in a well-hidden nest. Both adults incubate the eggs and feed the chicks.

Using this item

Private collection
Photograph by Geoff Moon

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Christina Troup, 'Wetland birds - Kingfishers and fernbirds – wetland margins', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/14670/fernbird-with-chicks (accessed 24 April 2024)

Story by Christina Troup, published 24 Sep 2007, reviewed & revised 17 Feb 2015