Fern climber
| Fern climber | ||||||||||||
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Fernsteiger ( Megalurus punctatus ) |
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Megalurus punctatus | ||||||||||||
| ( Quoy & Gaimard , 1830) |
The Farnsteiger ( Megalurus punctatus , Syn . : Bowdleria punctata ) is an insectivorous bird that is endemic to New Zealand . The Māori call the bird Kōtātā or Mātātā , the English name in the distribution area is Fernbird .
description
The plumage is deep brown on the top and white on the underside. Throat and chest are spotted brown. The early settlers called it "Swamp Sparrow" because of its color. The tail feathers are thin, dark brown and thorn-like. The bird reaches a length of 18 cm from the tip of the beak to the end of the tail, almost half of which is on the tail.
The Farnsteiger is a ground bird that does not like to fly. He moves mostly continuously or in occasional, less than 15 m long flight routes.
distribution
In the 19th century, Buller described it as one of the most common birds. the population declined due to the destruction of the habitat in the wetlands as a result of European settlement. Today the species is rare. In the Red List , the species is currently classified as not threatened with extinction.
All six subspecies are under protection:
- 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 .
The Chatham grass warbler ( Megalurus (punctatus) rufescens ), formerly also regarded as a subspecies, probably became extinct around 1900.
Reproduction
The species nests in sedge grasses and other vegetation close to the ground. The nest is a deep, interwoven bowl of dry rushes lined with feathers. The breeding season extends from September to February, a clutch comprises 2-3 pink-white eggs with brown or purple spots.
Role in the Māori culture
The Māori worshiped the fern climber as an "oracle" or "wise bird" (Manu tohu). The bird's calls were interpreted as omen for the success or failure of everyday activities such as fishing or could even indicate wealth and health or misfortune and death.
Web links
- Bowdleria punctata inthe IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015.2. Listed by: BirdLife International, 2012. Retrieved February 3, 2015.
literature
- Falla, RA, Sibson, RB, and Turbott, EG (1970). A Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand. London: Collins. ISBN 0-00-212022-4
- Marshall, J., Kinsky, FC, and Robinson, CJR (1982). The Fiat Book of Common birds in New Zealand. Wellington: AH and AW Reed. ISBN 0589007599