New Zealand fernbirds/matata are the coolest and most frustrating little birds. I hadn’t heard of them let alone seen one until into my adult years. Most people living in New Zealand don’t even know they exist. They hang out in low land scrub, are masters of camouflage and don’t like to pop out into the open, but may be taking a peek at you from not far away. Their ‘pu-dink’ call may be the only thing that gives them away or maybe the rustle of a few twigs. Living and nesting close to the ground, it’s not hard to understand how vulnerable they are to predation. Their scrub habitat is often considered low value and ripe for annihilation. Their long fern-frond-like tails give them their name but you’re more likely to see just their head end peeping out. I have yet to nail my perfect shot but am happy to while away the hours trying to discreetly outsmart them. Here are a few glimpses to help you to try and spot one next time you’re in their habitat.
