Fernbird

The New Zealand Fernbird - also known as Swamp Thrush - although in decline as a species is not considered to be of concern according to the 2021 conservation status of birds in New Zealand.
However the five subspecies have the following threat status:

Poodytes punctatus vealeae -North Island - Declining

Poodytes punctatus punctatus - South Island - Declining

Poodytes punctatus stewartianus - Stewart Island - Nationally Vulerable

Poodytes punctatus wilsoni - Codfish Island - Naturally Uncommon

Poodytes punctatus caudatus - Snares Island - Naturally Uncommon

Their fluttering short flights are generally close to vegetation in areas of tussock, shrub forest, manuka, rata,... read more flax, gorse, bracken and fern, cutty grass, raupo, rushes, mangrove swamps and tidal inlets. They start breeding at one year and pair for life. Both adults build their nest made mostly of tussock and rushes lined with feathers at ground level to two metres above ground. The nests have ring shaped bases to keep them above water-soaked ground. From October to February two to four mauve-pink flecked mauve-brown eggs are laid, each successive egg paler than its predecessor. Both birds incubate and care for the young for twenty days when they eat food they have caught themselves. They eat spiders, weevils, beetles, mites, flies and blowflies, moths and aphids.