New Zealand fernbird: Difference between revisions
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The '''Fernbird''' or '''Matata''' (''Megalurus punctatus'') is an [[insectivore|insectivorous]] [[bird]] [[endemic (ecology)|endemic]] to [[New Zealand]]. |
The '''Fernbird''' or '''Matata''' (''Megalurus punctatus'') is an [[insectivore|insectivorous]] [[bird]] [[endemic (ecology)|endemic]] to [[New Zealand]]. It is a rich brown above and white below, with brown spots on both the throat and breast. The tail feathers are thin, dark brown, and spine-like. The birds reach a length of 18 cm (7 in). |
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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. |
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. It has suffered greatly in recent years from the reduction of its natural habitat (swamp land). |
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There are six fully protected sub-species of Fernbird: |
There are six fully protected sub-species of Fernbird: |
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''Megalurus punctatus rufescens'' (the Chatham Islands Fernbird) is believed to have become extinct ''circa'' 1900. |
''Megalurus punctatus rufescens'' (the Chatham Islands Fernbird) is believed to have become extinct ''circa'' 1900. |
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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 |
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. |
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== References == |
== References == |
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Revision as of 12:39, 20 April 2006
| Fernbird | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Species: | M. punctatus
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| Binomial name | |
| Megalurus punctatus | |
| Synonyms | |
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Bowdleria punctata | |
The Fernbird or Matata (Megalurus punctatus) is an insectivorous bird endemic to New Zealand. It is a rich brown above and white below, with brown spots on both the throat and breast. The tail feathers are thin, dark brown, and spine-like. The birds reach a length of 18 cm (7 in).
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. It has suffered greatly in recent years from the reduction of its natural habitat (swamp land).
There are six fully protected sub-species of Fernbird:
- Megalurus punctatus punctatus (South Island Fernbird)
- Megalurus punctatus vealeae (North Island Fernbird)
- Megalurus punctatus stewartiana (Stewart Island Fernbird)
- Megalurus punctatus wilsoni (Codfish Island Fernbird)
- Megalurus punctatus caudata (Snares Fernbird)
- Megalurus punctatus insularis.
Megalurus punctatus 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.
References
- Falla, R.A., Sibson, R.B., and Turbott, E.G. (1970). A Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand. London: Collins. ISBN 0002120224
- Marshall, J., Kinsky, F.C., and Robinson, C.J.R. (1972). The Fiat Book of Common birds in New Zealand. Wellington: A.H. and A.W. Reed. ISBN 0589002300