Fantail (The New Zealand Piwakawaka)

Name: Fantail (The New Zealand Piwakawaka)
Brand: Metalbird USA
SKU: US-REG-FANT
Price: 64.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.947368421052632 (19 reviews)

$64.99

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Description

Quick, curious, and deeply symbolic.

Meet the Fantail, or Pīwakawaka — one of New Zealand’s most beloved native birds. Known for its energetic fluttering, fanned tail, and playful nature, they dart and flick through the air, catching insects in your wake, sometimes just inches away. It’s hard to describe, but easy to feel: they make your presence feel seen.

In Māori tradition, the Pīwakawaka is both a guide and a messenger — often seen as a symbol of new beginnings or, occasionally, a visit from someone who’s passed. It’s a deeply meaningful bird, wrapped in movement and spirit.

Our silhouette captures that moment mid-flick — tail splayed, wings poised. Add a touch of Aotearoa’s wild beauty to your yard, or give it as a thoughtful gift with meaning far beyond the feathers.

✓ Rich in symbolism... Beloved in New Zealand & Māori culture as a guide or spirit messenger
✓ Made to move (visually)... Iconic fanned tail captured mid-flight
✓ Compact & striking... 7" high x 6" wide (excluding branch), approx. 8oz
✓ Weather-tough... Made from American 1/8-inch Corten® steel
✓ Easy to gift... Ships flat in an 11" x 8" x ¼" box
✓ Same-day dispatch... Weekday orders before 2pm ship out that day
✓ Made in the USA... Produced locally in a family-owned American factory
✓ Easy to install... Just tap it into a wooden surface and you’re done

A fast landing for this fast little bird.

1. Pick your perch – Trees, fences, planters or porch posts all work well.
2. Hold the stake at a slight downward angle – For a smoother, more secure tap-in.
3. Tap the thick end with a hammer or mallet until the bird is stable.
4. Step back and smile – The Pīwakawaka is now part of your space.

Made from Corten® steel, your bird will weather into a rich rust-colored finish that protects and blends beautifully into its environment.

What’s the Pīwakawaka?
The Fantail, called Pīwakawaka in Māori, is a native bird of New Zealand. It’s small, fast, and known for flitting close to people in the garden or forest. In Māori culture, it’s seen as a messenger or guide—sometimes even a spiritual visitor.

Is this bird considered symbolic?
Yes. Many people believe a visit from a Pīwakawaka holds meaning—whether it’s a sign of change, a loved one watching over you, or simply a quiet reminder to pause and be present.

Is it weatherproof?
Absolutely. It’s made from 1/8-inch Corten® steel, designed to develop a stable rust-like patina that protects the bird and enhances its look.

Can I give this as a memorial gift?
Yes. The Fantail is often chosen as a tribute to someone lost, especially for those with ties to New Zealand or an appreciation for its cultural meaning.

How do I install it?
Simply hold the stake at a downward angle and tap the thickest part into a wooden surface using a hammer or mallet. No screws, no tools, no stress.

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$64.99

AS SEEN IN

Each Metalbird is crafted from Corten® Steel, a premium, weathering steel made to last.

When it meets the elements, it doesn’t rust like your old BBQ. It transforms.

That change you’re seeing? That’s patina. A tough, protective outer layer that seals the steel, adds character, and preserves your bird for decades.

This isn’t paint. It’s nature’s way of ageing gracefully.

The Patina Process:

At first, you’ll notice bright orange spots (we call this the teenage phase). Soon enough, the whole bird will turn a bold orange, slowly shifting into deep burnt umber. Eventually, it settles into a moody charcoal that feels like it’s always belonged.

The Result? A piece of industrial art with a heartbeat. No peeling, no fading, just a bird that gets better with age.