Fernbird

Fernbird
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Megaluridae
Genus:	Bowdleria
Species:	B. punctata
Binomial name
Bowdleria punctata (Quoy & Gaimard, 1830)
Synonyms
Megalurus punctatus

The Fernbird (Bowdleria punctata) is an insectivorous bird endemic to New Zealand. The Māori names are Kōtātā or Mātātā. It is a rich brown above and white below, with brown spots on both the throat and breast. Early settlers called it the "Swamp Sparrow" no doubt because of its colouration.^[1] The tail feathers are thin, dark brown, and spine-like. The birds reach a length of 18 cm (7 in) - as measured from tip of beak to end of tail. However,almost half of that is tail^[1]

The Fernbird is a ground-dwelling bird, and is a reluctant flier, travelling mainly on foot or in occasional short flights of less than 15 metres. In the 19th century Buller described it as "one of our most common"^[1] (birds) but it has been adversely affected by the subsequent widespread destruction of its natural (wetland) habitat following European settlement and is now rare^[1]

There are six fully protected sub-species of Fernbird:

• Bowdleria punctata punctata (South Island Fernbird)
• Bowdleria punctata vealeae (North Island Fernbird)
• Bowdleria punctata stewartiana (Stewart Island Fernbird)
• Bowdleria punctata wilsoni (Codfish Island Fernbird)
• Bowdleria punctata caudata (Snares Fernbird)
• Bowdleria punctata insularis.

Bowdleria (punctata) rufescens (the Chatham Islands Fernbird) is believed to have become extinct circa 1900.

The birds nest in sedges or other vegetation close to the ground, making a deep woven cup of dried rushes lined with feathers. Breeding occurs from September to February, producing clutches of 2-3 pinkish-white eggs with brown or purple speckles.

Place in Māori culture

Māori revered the Fernbird as an "oracle" or "Wise bird" (Manu tohu).^[1] The calls of the bird were interpreted as heralding success or faliure in daily activities such as fishing but on a more serious level could also portend prosperity and health or disaster and death.^[1]

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d e f} "Wetlands of New Zealand; A Bitter-Sweet story", Janet Hunt, Random House, 2007

• BirdLife International (2004). Bowdleria punctata. 2006. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. www.iucnredlist.org. Retrieved on 12 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
• Falla, R.A., Sibson, R.B., and Turbott, E.G. (1970). A Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand. London: Collins. ISBN 0-00-212022-4
• Marshall, J., Kinsky, F.C., and Robinson, C.J.R. (1982). The Fiat Book of Common birds in New Zealand. Wellington: A.H. and A.W. Reed. ISBN 0589007599