Metalbird Seconds - Fantail

Regular price $30.00 Sale price $30.00 Regular price $64.99
Save $34.99
In stock
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.

Our Seconds Fantail still brings all the bold charm and unmistakable silhouette of the real thing — only with a tiny imperfection and a very friendly price tag. Maybe it’s a light scratch, a white splash, or an overzealous sanding pass — whatever the quirk, this bird will still look stunning once installed.

SECONDS ARE FINAL SALE AND NON-RETURNABLE. Imperfections may include surface scratches, over-sanding, white splashes, or color variation — but they’re cosmetic only and disappear into the shadows once your bird is in place.

✓ 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

Radiant, and ridiculously easy to install. Whether you’re tapping this Cardinal into a sunny fence post or garden edge, the install is as simple as its style is iconic.

1. Pick a flat wooden spot like a deck post, fence rail, or planter edge
2. Angle the bird downward slightly so water runs off easily
3. Tap the thickest part of the stake with a hammer or mallet until firm
4. Take a step back... it's still a knockout, flaws and all

Top Tip: Cardinals love attention — avoid hiding them in dense foliage where they’ll be less visible.

What kind of flaws does a Seconds Cardinal have?
These may include minor scratches, white splashes, slightly uneven tone, or a touch of over-sanding. None affect the structure or beauty once installed.

Can I return this if I change my mind?
No — Seconds are sold as-is and all sales are final.

Will my Seconds bird still last as long outdoors?
Yes — it’s made from the same Corten steel and will weather into a gorgeous patina, just like a first-quality bird.

Why is the Cardinal so popular?
Cardinals are bold, loyal, and symbolic of joy — plus they’re the state bird of seven US states, making them a classic gift and garden icon.

Is it okay to gift a Seconds bird?
Definitely — just let the lucky person know it's beautifully imperfect. Many customers say the minor flaws add to the charm.

Style With

AS SEEN IN

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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.

what’s the word on the bird?