The Fantail, Piwakawaka, is a little larger than a common English Hedge Sparrow; 16 cm, of which 1/2 is tail. It is conspicuous because of its large fan-shaped tail. Tail is used for braking and quick turning in pursuit of insects, and their beak snapping of this activity is easily heard. Their cry is a kissing sound, easily imitated. and they are a friendly and inquisitive bird.The common species (Pied) has brown and white tail feathers, but there is a black species in the South Island, and a third species in the Chatham Islands.They are also found in Australia.
