Humble fantail has biggest fanclub of all

The cheeky fantail has topped a poll for NZ's favourite bird, while the kiwi languishes near the bottom.

The tui topped last year's Forest & Bird Bird of the Year poll. This year the fantail was out in front with 458 public votes; the tui came a close second with 453. They were followed in the popularity stakes by the kereru, kakapo, takahe, kea, kokako, bellbird, kiwi and pukeko.