The fernbird (Bowdleria punctata), also known as mātātā (Maori) is a small brown ground-dwelling bird. They are a reluctant flier being somewhat like an avian mouse - rummaging and hopping within impenetrable tight scrub or reeds, before emerging into view and flying only short distances of less than 15 metres. Their feathers reveal an intricate pattern of dark flecks and a beautiful long lacy tail. Found throughout New Zealand they typically inhabit dense thickets of scrub, usually close to or within wetlands. Well camouflaged and very secretive, fernbirds are more easily heard than seen. Their calls are varied from a metallic 'tic' to the melodic 'oo-tik' duo call. Fernbirds build nests of tightly woven tussock or other long rush-like leaves, either low down or raised up to 2 metres above wet ground. They often make a hood, oriented to shelter the nest against wind and rain. In the 19th century Buller described it as "one of our most common" (birds) but it has been adversely affected by the subsequent widespread destruction of its natural (wetland) habitat following European settlement and is now rare.