Fernbirds or mātātā are secretive birds that live in dense rush-like or scrubby vegetation at the edges of pakihi or swamp, or in regenerating forest. They are difficult to follow as they thread through tightly interlocking vegetation. Fernbirds lay about three pale pink eggs with flecks in a well-hidden nest. Both adults incubate the eggs and feed the chicks.
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Private collection
Photograph by Geoff Moon
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