Intimate: Piwakawaka (NZ Fantail / Grey Fantail)

The Fantail is one of the most common and widely distributed native birds on the New Zealand mainland and is also found in Australia where it is called the Grey Fantail. Called Pīwakawaka in Maori, its tail contributes to its distinctive flight – twisting and turning in the air as it catches insects. A social bird, it is easily recognized by its fanned tail and habit of following people who disturb the insects that the birds feed on.

This was painted from a photo taken at Mahurangi Regional Park. I wanted to capture the intricate markings of the bird rather than the traditional portrayal of its fanned tail.

I have a love for these small birds. Painting in my studio I was often accompanied by the flutter of wings at my window and the high peep peeping of the resident fantail in my garden in Auckland. Now it continues to be a thrill to encounter one flitting about the fire trail near my home in Sydney. These birds bring joy to my heart.