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Story: Small forest birds

Rat in fantail nest

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Rat in fantail nest

Ship rats are capable climbers, and have had a huge impact on native birds, particularly during the nesting phase. This rat is eating eggs or chicks in a fantail’s nest.

Using this item

Department of Conservation

Reference: 10048620

by David Mudge

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How to cite this page

Christina Troup, Small forest birds – New Zealand’s small forest birds, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/12457/rat-in-fantail-nest (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Christina Troup, published 1 March 2009, updated 1 August 2023.