Fantails

(Rhipiduridae)

Class Aves

Order Passeriformes

Suborder Passeri (Oscines)

Family Rhipiduridae

Thumbnail description
Small to medium-small slim birds with flat, triangular bills, double rows of long rictal bristles, and prominent long, rounded, fanned tails.

Size
5.5–8.5 in (14–21.5 cm); 0.2–0.9 oz (6–25 g)

Number of genera, species
2 genera; 40 species

Habitat
Rainforest, forest, mangroves, woodland, savanna, shrub steppe, heath, grasslands, areas near human habitation

Conservation status
Vulnerable: 2 species; Near Threatened: 5 species

Distribution
Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, southwest Pacific islands, Micronesia, Philippines, Indonesia, South and Southeast Asia

Evolution and systematics

Fantails, also called wagtail flycatchers, are a component of the large Australo-Papuan songbird group, the so-called "corvine radiation." They are closest to the drongos of the Dicruridae family and monarch flycatchers of the Monarchinae family. The fantails are either classified in their own family or as a subfamily of the monarch flycatchers, or in a broader drongo-monarch grouping. There is no doubt that they represent a distinctive group of insectivorous birds. Generally the 40 or more species are referred to the single genus Rhipidura, although the yellow-breasted fantail (R. hypoxantha) is sometimes placed in the monotypic genus Chelidorhynx. Within the genus Rhipidura, there are several distinct subgroups.

The largest of the fantails, the willie wagtail (R. leucophrys), is perhaps the most atypical member of the genus. It spends much more time on the ground than other species. The northern fantail (R. rufiventris) is one of several more sedate species; although capturing prey in flight, these do so without the aerial flourishes of most fantails. The thicket-fantails, like the sooty thicket-fantail (R. threnothorax), are shy and secretive inhabitants of dense rainforest understory. The remaining species of fantail, however, are active and conspicuous. These are distributed across the family's range. The gray fantail (R. albiscapa), streaked fantail (R. spilodera), and rufous fantail (R. rufifrons) species-groups each include a number of species spread across substantial parts of Indonesia, Australasia and the southwestern Pacific. Other species have less obvious connections with other fantails. The tiny yellow-bellied fantail has a unique color pattern and other minor differences, and the blue-headed fantail (R. cyaniceps) and blue fantail (R. superciliosa) are also unusual in their color; otherwise these are fairly typical members of this family.

A species may be distributed on mainlands and many islands across a wide area. This makes it difficult to differentiate between species when they are so closely related. The species limits among the 13 or so members of the rufous fantail group are sometimes rather arbitrary. In his detailed 1987 review of Australian populations of the gray fantail, Julian Ford recognized the mangrove-inhabiting population of the northern coasts as a distinct species, the mangrove fantail (R. phasiana). Subsequently, studies by Richard Schodde and Ian Mason of the gray fantail both in and beyond Australia recommended that the New Zealand populations be specifically classified as New Zealand fantails (R. fuliginosa), and the Australian birds as R. albiscapa. Richard Holdaway and his colleagues went even further, dividing the fantails of New Zealand's North, South, and Chatham Islands into three different species. Multi-island distributions have given rise to

numerous subspecies in widespread species; the northern fantail, for example, has 24 named forms scattered across the Bismarck Archipelago, northern Australia, New Guinea, and islands of the Moluccas and Lesser Sundas.

On occasion, the two small flycatchers in the genus Culicapa have been associated with the fantails. Although the proper taxonomic placement of these south and southeast Asian species is uncertain, it does not appear to belong to the genus Rhipidura.

Physical characteristics

Fantails are small birds, ranging from the yellow-bellied fantail at 5.5 in (15 cm) and 0.2 oz (6 g), to the larger willie wagtail at 8.5 in (21.5 cm) and 0.9 oz (25 g). The obvious feature of this family, from which the group name is derived, is the distinctive long, rounded, fan-shaped tail, which may represent 50% or more of a bird's total length. Fantails also have the flat, triangular bill characteristic of many aerial insectivores. The bill is surrounded by rictal bristles, in an unusual double row arrangement. With the exception of the more terrestrial species, fantails have short tarsi and small feet. The wings are rather rounded, sacrificing speed but allowing a highly maneuverable, usually very buoyant flight.

Fantails are generally not brightly plumaged, with the major colors being brown, rufous, white, gray, or black, or a combination of these. This generalization breaks down along the northwestern and western periphery of the family's distribution, where two species have large amounts of blue in the plumage and another one, yellow. The overall color of many species is muted or drab, but a few species, such as the black-and-cinnamon fantail (R. nigrocinnamomea), have boldly contrasting colors. Males and females rarely exhibit dimorphism in their plumage; an exception is the black fantail (R. atra) of New Guinea, with black males and rufous females. The New Guinea dimorphic fantail (R. brachyrhyncha) also has two color phases: a dark one in which the tail is black and rufous, and a light phase with a light gray tail. Young fantails look like adults with washed-out colors and rusty edges to some feathers, particularly the wing coverts. Widespread species, particularly those that are found over a number of islands, show marked plumage variation among the populations.

Distribution

Although primarily an Australasian family, the fantails distribute well beyond this region. Species are found in eastern Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, the Himalayas, southern China,

southeast Asia, the Philippines, Indonesia, New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, and the islands of the southwestern Pacific, east of Samoa and north to Micronesia. Several species may coexist, particularly in New Guinea, with up to seven found in the same locality. Some species are quite widespread, such as the white-throated fantail (R. albicollis), which is found from eastern Pakistan through south and southeast Asia to Borneo. Another example is the rufous fantail, which ranges from the Moluccas to the Santa Cruz islands in the east and to Micronesia in the north. Other species are restricted to only a single small island; the Ponapé fantail (R. kubaryi) and Matthias fantail (R. matthiae) are endemic to Ponapé, Micronesia, and to Mussau, in the Bismark Archipelago, respectively.

Habitat

The fantail family has representatives in many types of habitats, but most species are found in rainforest, either exclusively or as part of their broader range of habitat preferences. The mangrove fantail, as the name suggests, is restricted to mangroves. In Australia, the rufous fantail is primarily a bird of rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest in the breeding and non-breeding seasons; during migration, individuals may wander into a range of more open habitats, including city centers. The greatest diversity of habitat preferences is that of the willie wagtail. Although it favors open situations, this species occurs in all but the densest rainforest, and seems equally at home in deserts and city parks. Where several species of fantails occupy the same habitat, they favor different elevations in the forest or different parts of the tree. Some, like the sooty thicket-fantail, choose low, dense thickets. The willie wagtail is the most terrestrial species, spending much of its time foraging on the ground.

Behavior

The tail is usually held cocked, alternately fanned and closed, and often swung from side to side while a bird is perched or moving about the foliage. This tail posture is also used when species engage in highly aerobatic, looping flights to capture flying insects. So active are these flights at times that they have been described as "hysterical." These species are restless, rarely perching still for long. This behavior gave the gray fantail the colloquial nickname of "mad fan". Some species, such as the northern fantail, are more sedate, spending more time perched and making more direct sallies for insects. The willie wagtail rarely fans the tail, but swings it energetically from side to side.

Many fantail species are tame and confiding towards humans. They may come close to capture insects flushed by a moving observer. Other large, harmless animals are used in a similar fashion; willie wagtails frequently use domestic cattle both as a perch and to flush insects. This behavior contrasts with the response to animals perceived as predators or territorial intruders. Fantails can be boldly aggressive towards larger birds, fearlessly attacking birds of prey, even landing on their backs. Aggressive behavior in a willie wagtail is signaled by its rasping, scolding calls and a greatly expanded white eyebrow. If the conflict involves a territorial dispute, the losing bird will shrink the eyebrow until it is no longer visible. The thicket-fantails, unlike most species, are shy and secretive in the presence of humans and can be difficult to see as they skulk in dense undergrowth.

As a general rule, populations near the equator do not migrate. Thus, most tropical species are sedentary, remaining in the same area throughout the year. In more southern temperate regions, and at higher elevations, birds may exhibit marked seasonal movements. In Australia, the rufous fantail regularly moves north and south along the east coast. The gray fantail has more pronounced shifts, with southeastern populations moving extensive distances north and northwest

in winter. Species like the white-throated and yellow-bellied fantails, which spend the summer in the Himalayas, move to lower altitudes at the end of the season.

Fantails are not particularly noted songsters, although their voices are by no means unpleasant. They are not strong and the calls are simple. Songs, which can be uttered frequently, are rapid and enthusiastic. That of the gray fantail has been likened to the notes of a violin. The exception to possessing a soft song is the willie wagtail. Both its scolding call and song are robust compared to those of other fantails and can be heard for some distance. The song, transliterated as "sweet pretty creature", may be repeated for quite extended periods, particularly on moonlit nights.

Feeding ecology and diet

Other than that of a few larger species, such as the willie wagtail, the bill of fantails is not strong enough to handle large, robust prey. The major food is small insects and other invertebrates. Larger prey, such as moths, may be hammered on a branch to subdue and render it suitable to be eaten. The willie wagtail has captured and eaten small skinks. Most prey are caught in the air, gleaned from foliage, or, less often, pursued on the ground. The flight of a gray fantail for a flying insect can be an impressively dizzying aerial pursuit. Rapid loops and sudden changes of direction appear to threaten to break the bird apart. The tail is held cocked and spread as a

bird moves through the foliage, and it has been suggested that this may assist in flushing insects.

In a study of three coexisting Australian fantails, Elizabeth Cameron found that they partitioned the environment, each selecting different heights and sections of the substrate, and using different foraging techniques, thus reducing overlap and competition. During the summer, gray fantails fed across a broad range of elevations, occasionally in the canopy at heights of about 130 ft (40 m). The predominant foraging method was to search for prey from a lookout perch, then pursue it in the air, before returning to a new vantage point. Rufous fantails generally fed lower, in the understory and shrub strata, and spent more time actively moving through the foliage flushing insects. Willie wagtails remained within 10 ft (3 m) of the ground and often on it, either capturing prey in the air with short flights or pursuing it on foot on the ground. In winter, when the rufous fantails migrated away from the area, gray fantails became more aerial and willie wagtails more terrestrial.

Reproductive biology

Some or all aspects of the breeding biology are unknown for a number of the rarer or more remote species. Conversely, several of the common, widespread species have been particularly well studied. Most fantails have quite similar breeding patterns. Both sexes construct the nest, a small, tidy cup of fine grass stems bound together by a thick external coating of cobwebs. This is placed in a horizontal fork or sometimes in a human-made structure or other suitable site, from 3–50 ft (1–15 m) from the ground, but usually within less than 10 ft (3 m). Most species for which the nest is known attach a dangling "tail" of nesting material to its underside. The clutch includes 2–4 eggs. These are pale or cream, marked with brown or gray blotches and spots, which form a wreath at the larger end or around the midline. Eggs of the yellow-bellied fantail differ somewhat by being cream or pinkish cream with a cap on the larger end consisting of pinkish brown stippling. Both parents incubate the eggs for 12–14 days. After hatching, chicks remain in the nest for 13–15 days, attended by both parents.

Because there is little attempt at concealment, fantail nests may be subject to considerable predation by larger birds. Richard Major and his team studied predation rates and the major perpetrators by building artificial nests with eggs made from modeling clay. Through direct observation and by identifying the bite marks left in the false eggs, he determined that more than ten avian species and several small mammals attempted to steal the eggs. The major predator was the pied currawong (Strepera graculina), which was responsible in more than half of the directly observed raids. Fantails also suffer from nest parasitism by cuckoos. A rufous fantail can be the host of a vigorously begging young pallid cuckoo (Cuculus pallidus), a bird that is up to eight times its weight.

Conservation status

Many species of fantails are common, and those found on larger landmasses appear not to be under threat. Several island populations, however, have been identified as in threatened or approaching this unfortunate status. The IUCN and Birdlife International have listed two species as Vulnerable. The Malaita fantail (R. malaitae), on Malaita, in the Solomon Islands, have a small estimated population, with recent records from only two locations. For this species, the threat factors affecting it are uncertain at present. The Manus fantail (R. semirubra), from the Admiralty Islands (Papua New Guinea), also has a small range. Once common on Manus Island, there have been no records since 1934. Although it is still found on neighboring islands, the reasons for this decline are not known.

Five species are considered Near Threatened: cinnamon-tailed fantail (R. fuscorufa) and long-tailed fantail (R. opistherythra), both of the Tanimbar Islands; Cockerell's fantail (R. cockerelli), Solomon Islands; dusky fantail (R. tenebrosa), San Christobal, Solomon Islands; and Matthias fantail of the Mussau, Bismarck Archipelago. Significant amounts of logging across critical parts of these species' ranges has been implicated as a threatening process in all cases.

Because distribution of some species is restricted to remote islands or high elevations, it is difficult to assess the status of some populations. These may be not be under current threat but, because of small population sizes, they are potentially susceptible to introduced species or habitat alteration.

Significance to humans

In places, fantails are well known because they are common and active. Combined with their tame and confiding nature around humans, this has made them particular favorites among birdwatchers and the general public. In parts of New Guinea, the willie wagtail is thought to be the ghost of a paternal relative. A singing bird around a newly planted garden means that crops will flourish. Elsewhere, it has the reputation as a gossip; it is not persecuted, but important business is not discussed when the bird is present.

Species accounts

List of Species

Yellow-bellied fantail

Rhipidura hypoxantha

taxonomy

Rhipidura hypoxantha Blyth, 1843, Darjeeling, India.

other common names

English: Yellow-bellied fantail flycatcher; French: Rhipidure à ventre jaune; German: Goldbauch-Fächerschwanz; Spanish: Cola de Abanico de Vientre Amarillo.

physical characteristics

4.5–4.9 in (11.5–12.5 cm); 0.2 oz (5–6 g). Yellow forehead, brow, and underparts; upperparts are olive-gray. Black mask and long, white-tipped gray tail. Female's mask is dark olive in color.

distribution

Northern India, southeastern Tibet, southwestern China, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, northern Bangladesh, northern Myanmar, northern Thailand, and northern Vietnam. Occurs at 4,950–12,210 ft (1,500–3,700 m), locally down to 594 ft (180m) in winter.

habitat

Can be found in various kinds of forest and secondary jungle but prefers moist evergreen forest. In the breeding season, occurs mostly in mixed coniferous and birch or rhododendron forests.

behavior

This is a very active and restless bird. It is constantly in motion, flicking its wings and fanning its tail. While foraging, it continually utters a high, thin "sip sip."

feeding ecology and diet

Feeds on small flying insects caught in the air. Often found in mixed-species feeding flocks.

reproductive biology

Breeds in Apr.–Jul. The nest is a compact deep cup, attached to the upperside of a branch, 10–20 ft (3–6 m) above ground. The clutch consists of three cream to pinkish-cream eggs with tiny dark reddish speckles, which usually form a ring around the larger end.

conservation status

Not threatened.

significance to humans

None known.

Blue-headed fantail

Rhipidura cyaniceps

taxonomy

Muscipeta cyaniceps Cassin, 1855, Mt Makiling, Luzon, Philippine Islands. Four subspecies.

other common names

French: Rhipidure à tête bleue; German: Blaukopf-Fächerschwanz; Spanish: Cola de Abanico Azul.

physical characteristics

6.5-7.5 in (16.5-19 cm). Head, throat, and breast grayish blue. White brow and under eye stripe. Lower back, rump, and belly to undertail is rufous. Black central tail feathers.

distribution

R. c. pinicola: northwest Philippine Islands; R. c. cyaniceps: northeast Philippine Islands; R. c. sauli: western central Philippine Islands; R. c. albiventris: eastern central Philippine Islands.

habitat

This species can be found in all forest types, up to 6,600 ft (2,000 m).

behavior

Usually found in family parties or mixed feeding flocks, this fantail is a noisy and conspicuous bird in the understory of the forest.

feeding ecology and diet

This species captures much of its insect food by hawking in the upper canopy. It is a frequent member of mixed-species foraging flocks.

reproductive biology

Birds in breeding condition have been recorded in February and March. Two eggs are laid in a cup-shaped nest built on a branch.

conservation status

Not threatened.

significance to humans

None known.

White-throated fantail

Rhipidura albicollis

taxonomy

Platyrhynchos albicollis Vieillot, 1818, Bengal, India. Eleven subspecies.

other common names

English: White-throated fantail flycatcher; French: Rhipidure à

gorge blanche; German: Weisskehl-fächerschwanz; Spanish: Cola de Abanico de Garganta Blanca.

physical characteristics

6.9–8.1 in (17.5–20.5 cm); 0.3–0.45 oz (9–13 g). Mostly gray with white throat, brow, and tip of tail.

distribution

Northeastern Pakistan, India, southeastern Tibet, southern China, Myanmar, Thailand, Asia, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo. Foothills and adjacent plains up to 10,000 ft (3,000 m).

habitat

Inhabits broad-leaved evergreen forest and can be found locally in human-modified areas such as bamboo, parks, secondary regrowth, and wooded gardens.

behavior

This is a typical fantail in its behavior—restless, constantly fanning its tail, and conspicuous. It is a bird of the understory and middle growth. In winter, it exhibits marked altitudinal migration, moving from higher elevations to foothills and plains. The song consists of thin, high-pitched notes.

feeding ecology and diet

Works along branches, as well as outside of foliage, feeding on small flying insects it disturbs. It may be encountered singly, in pairs, or as part of mixed hunting parties.

reproductive biology

The breeding season varies throughout the range, from Feb.–May to Mar.–Aug; two broods may be raised. Both sexes build the nest and incubate the three spotted eggs. The small cup-shaped nest is made of fine grass stems held together by an external coating of cobwebs; it has a dangling "tail" of grasses below. Incubation period 12–13 days; fledging 13–15 days.

conservation status

Not threatened.

significance to humans

None known.

Rufous fantail

Rhipidura rufifrons

taxonomy

Muscicapa rufifrons Latham, 1801, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Twenty subspecies.

other common names

English: Rufous-fronted fantail; French: Rhipidure roux; German: Fuchsfächerschwanz; Spanish: Cola de Abanico Rufo.

physical characteristics

5.5–6.7 in (14–17.5 cm); 0.25–0.35 oz (7.2–10 g). Rufous-brown plumage with mottled throat. Tail color is rufous at base, to brown middle and whitish tips. White patch from chin to cheek and upper throat.

distribution

Moluccas and Lesser Sunda Islands, coastal eastern Australia, New Guinea, Bismarck Archipelago, Solomon Islands, Santa Cruz Islands, and Micronesia. Located from sea level to 6,600 ft (2,000 m).

habitat

Rainforest, monsoon forest, mid-montane forest, riparian vegetation, swamp woodland, wet eucalypt forest, mangroves; on migration may occur in open or urban situations.

behavior

Usually seen singly, sometimes in pairs. Frequents lower substage to mid-tree levels. Confiding. Restless; moves with rapid jerky movements. Strongly migratory in southeast Australia; tropical birds apparently not sedentary, but nature of movements uncertain.

feeding ecology and diet

Insectivorous. Favors lower and middle levels of foliage. Forages mainly by gleaning, occasionally by flycatching. Works quietly along slender outer branches, from the inner section to the extreme tip. May join mixed feeding parties.

reproductive biology

Breeding season varies across range: Oct.–Feb. (Australia), Aug.–Jan. (New Guinea region), Feb.–Mar. (Micronesia). Sexes share nest construction, incubation, and care of young, rearing 1–2 broods per season. The nest is a compact cup of fine grass bound with spider web, with a pendant "tail" about 3 in (7.5 cm) long. The nest is placed in thin fork up to 16.5 ft (5 m) above the ground. The clutch includes 2–3 eggs; these are cream with small warm brown and lavender dots, mostly at large end. Incubation takes about 14 days.

conservation status

In Australia, this species is common in the north, decreasing in abundance southwards; it is not considered under threat. Several of the Micronesian populations exist in low numbers and are potentially susceptible to loss of habitat and introduced predators.

significance to humans

None known.

Dimorphic fantail

Rhipidura brachyrhyncha

taxonomy

Rhipidura brachyrhyncha Schlegel, 1871, Arfak Mountains, New Guinea. Two subspecies.

other common names

English: Dimorphic rufous fantail; French: Rhipidure dimorphe; German: Zweiphasen-Fächerschwanz; Spanish: Cola de Abanico Dimorfo.

physical characteristics

5.9–6.5 in (15–16.5 cm); 0.3–0.4 oz (8.3–10.7 g). Crown to upper back dark brown, fading to rufous lower back, rump, and wing edges. Underparts buffy gray with either pale or dark undertail, depending on color phase. Bill brownish black, feet pale brown.

distribution

R. b. brachyrhyncha: Northwestern New Guinea; R. b. devisi: western, central, and eastern New Guinea. Occurs mainly at 6,600–12,144 ft (2,000–3,680 m), as low as 3,828 (1,160 m) and as high as 12,870 ft (3,900 m).

habitat

Lives in mountain forest, particularly stunted moss forest.

behavior

A tame and inquisitive bird, usually encountered in pairs, sometimes singly. Active.

feeding ecology and diet

Obtains most of its food by catching flying insects, although it will also glean items from foliage while hovering. One foraging

technique is to crash through the foliage, catching any flushed insects.

reproductive biology

Nesting habits undescribed.

conservation status

Not threatened.

significance to humans

None known.

Streaked fantail

Rhipidura spilodera

taxonomy

Rhipidura spilodera G.R. Gray, 1870, Vanua Lava, New Hebrides. Five subspecies.

other common names

French: Rhipidure tacheté; German: Fleckenfächerschwanz; Spanish: Cola de Abanico Moteado.

physical characteristics

6.3–7.1 in (16–18 cm); female 0.3–0.35 oz (9.2-10.2 g), male 0.4 oz (11-12 g). Olive-brown upperparts with gray-brown tail feathers and two white wing bars. White brow stripe and throat, with scaly brown pattern on white breast. Abdomen is whitish buff.

distribution

R. s. verreauxi: New Caledonia and Loyalty Islands; R. s. spilodera: Central and northern Vanuatu; R. s. layardi: western Fiji;R. s. erythronota: northern Fiji; R. s. rufilateralis: northeastern Fiji.

habitat

True forest and forest edge, occasionally secondary growth and gardens. Occurs up to 3,960 ft (1,200 m).

behavior

An active, restless, bold, and inquisitive bird. It frequents lower levels in the forest. The song is a pleasant series of 4–5 notes.

feeding ecology and diet

This fantail is an active feeder in the understory, capturing insects by gleaning and hawking. It frequently joins mixedspecies feeding flocks.

reproductive biology

The breeding season on New Caledonia and Vanuatu is Oct.–Jan. Two spotted eggs are laid in the small cup nest, which is situated in the lower strata, 6.6–10 ft (2–3 m) from the ground. Both parents share the nesting duties.

conservation status

Common.

significance to humans

None known.

Gray fantail

Rhipidura albiscapa

taxonomy

Rhipidura albiscapa Gould, 1840, Tasmania. Eight subspecies.

other common names

English: White-shafted fantail; French: Rhipidure à collier; German: Graufächerschwanz; Spanish: Cola de Abanico Gris.

physical characteristics

5.5–6.6 in (14.0–16.8 cm); 0.2–0.3 oz (6–9 g). Plumage color ranges from light gray to dark brown-gray. White from chin to top of throat; also white brow and tail tips.

distribution

R. a. preissi: southwestern Australia, reaching northwestern Australia on migration; R. a. alisteri: south central, southeastern, and east central Australia, on migration to northern Australia and possibly New Guinea; R. a. albiscapa: Tasmania and Bass Strait islands, southeastern Australia on migration; R. a. keasti: northeastern Australia; R. a. albicauda: C. Australia; R. a. pelzelni: Norfolk Island; R. a. bulgeri: New Caledonia and Lifu, Loyalty Islands; R. a. brenchleyi: Vanuatu, Banks Islands; San Cristobal, Solomon Islands.

habitat

Can be found in almost any wooded habitat, including urban situations, rainforest, eucalypt forest and woodland, semi-arid scrublands, mangroves, and riverine vegetation.

behavior

Territorial; usually solitary or in pairs; often joins mixed feeding parties. Extremely active and conspicuous; inquisitive and confiding. Frequents all levels of foliage. Populations of southern Australia and Tasmania are migratory, those of central Australia are nomadic and those in northeastern Australia and on Pacific islands are sedentary. Song is a series of high-pitched and thin but attractive notes, given in a "see-saw" cadence and sometimes likened to a violin.

feeding ecology and diet

Eats small insects. Forages mainly by hawking on the wing in involved intricate acrobatic chases; sometimes gleans from foliage.

reproductive biology

In Australia, breeds Jul.–Jan.; produces one, two, or often three broods in a season. The sexes share the breeding duties. The nest is the typical fantail structure: a small cup of thin grass bound with spider web, with pendent tail up to 6 in (15 cm) long, placed in a fork. This is usually 6.5–16.5 ft (2–5 m), sometimes up to 33 ft (10 m), above the ground. The eggs, 2–4 in a clutch, are cream with small light brown and underlying pale gray spots form a wreath at the larger end. Incubation takes 14 days, age at fledging 10–12 days.

conservation status

Common in most of its range.

significance to humans

A favorite with Australian birdwatchers.

Northern fantail

Rhipidura rufiventris

taxonomy

Platyrhynchos rufiventris Vieillot, 1818, Timor. Twenty-four subspecies.

other common names

English: White-throated fantail; French: Rhipidure à ventre chamois; German: Witwen-Fächerschwanz; Spanish: Cola de Abanico Norteño.

physical characteristics

6.5–7.1 in (16.5–18.0 cm); 0.35–0.6 oz (10–17 g). Gray-brown plumage with buff belly and white lateral tail feathers. White streaks on breast; white brow and chin to throat.

distribution

Northern Australia, New Guinea, Bismarck Archipelago, Moluccas, Lesser Sunda Islands. Found mainly in the lowlands

and hills, locally up to 5,400 ft (1,640 m) on New Britain.

habitat

This species can be found in a range of habitats, including open eucalypt woodland, rainforest fringes, mangrove forest, monsoon forest, riverine vegetation, wooded swamps, tall secondary growth, forest edges, and garden areas.

behavior

Territorial, usually solitary or in pairs. Often conspicuous when it chooses exposed perches. Often joins mixed-species feeding flocks. Less active than other fantails; spends more time perching and engages in more sedate aerial pursuits. Generally quiet, unobtrusive, undemonstrative. Typical stance upright with the tail held vertically.

feeding ecology and diet

Eats a variety of insects obtained almost entirely by hawking, although sometimes gleaned from branches and leaves. Commonly joins mixed-species foraging flocks of other small insectivorous songbirds.

reproductive biology

A pair may produce 1–2 broods per season, which runs from Aug.–Jan. in Australia and from the mid-dry to the mid-wet season in New Guinea. Both parents build the nest, incubate, and care for the young. The female lays two spotted eggs in the small cup nest. As with most fantails, this has a tail about 2.8 in (7 cm) long hanging from the underside.

conservation status

Generally common to fairly common; not threatened.

significance to humans

None known.

Sooty thicket-fantail

Rhipidura threnothorax

taxonomy

Rhipidura threnothorax S. Müller, 1843, Lobo, Triton Bay, New Guinea. Two subspecies.

other common names

French: Rhipidure fuligineux; German: Rosenberg-Fächerschwanz; Spanish: Cola de Abanico Sombrío.

physical characteristics

16.5–18 cm. Crown and back dull olive-brown with blackish rump. Breast is black with distinctive white spots, with remaining underparts dark gray to black. White chin and brow stripe.

distribution

R. t. threnothorax: New Guinea and satellite islands; R. t. fumosa: Japen Island, New Guinea. Occurs in lowlands and hills up to about 3,630 ft (1,100 m).

habitat

Inhabits wet forests with particularly dense undergrowth, where it is largely restricted to the understory, usually no more than 10 ft (3 m) from the ground.

behavior

Sedentary. Unlike most fantails, this shy species hides itself in dense undergrowth.

feeding ecology and diet

It feeds on small insects, most of which are obtained by gleaning from leaf litter and foliage and by hawking. It may accompany larger terrestrially-feeding birds, catching insects that they disturb.

reproductive biology

Nesting habits and eggs undescribed.

conservation status

Generally common to very common, but secretive and infrequently seen.

significance to humans

None known.

Willie wagtail

Rhipidura leucophrys

taxonomy

Turdus leucophrys Latham, 1801, Sydney, Australia. Three subspecies.

other common names

English: Black-and-white fantail; French: Rhipidure hochequeue; German: Gartenfächerschwanz; Spanish: Cola de Abanico Blanco y Negro.

physical characteristics

7.1–8.7 in (18–22 cm); 0.6–0.8 oz (17–24 g). A large bird with black plumage and white brow and breast.

distribution

R. l. melanoleuca: Moluccas, New Guinea, and surrounding islands, Bismarck Archipelago, Solomon Islands; R. l. picata: northern Australia; R. l. leucophrys: southwest, southern, central, and southeast Australia.

habitat

This species can be found in almost any habitat except the densest rainforest or eucalypt forest; it prefers relatively open areas, from sea level to 9,240 ft (2,800 m).

behavior

Terrestrial for much of its time, running, walking, or hopping on the ground. As it does so, the tail is usually held elevated but not often fanned. When pausing, the tail is constantly waved from side to side and up and down. The willie wagtail is usually seen singly, although mates often are nearby. A conspicuous, active, and bold bird that often draws attention to itself by harassing or attacking larger animals that are considered as predators or enter territory during breeding. An aggressive individual, it conspicuously expands its white eyebrows. In Australia, this species is mainly sedentary or locally nomadic, while in New Guinea it may leave some areas in the dry season, returning to breed during the rains. The song, rendered as "sweet pretty creature", may be heard incessantly during breeding, often throughout a moonlit night. There is also a harsh scolding note given when a bird is agitated.

feeding ecology and diet

Feeds on insects, larvae, and occasionally small lizards. Much food is obtained by hawking from perches for insects on the wing, or snatching them from ground after short runs.

reproductive biology

Although breeding occurs mainly in Jul.–Feb. (Australia), this species can nest in any month, conditions allowing. This may yield up to four or more broods to be reared in a season. Both parents share nest building, incubation, and care of the young. The nest is made of grass and fine bark strips, covered with spider web, but it lacks the tail of most fantails; this is placed on horizontal fork or in man-made structure or other suitable site, usually less than 16.5 ft (5 m) above the ground. The eggs are cream with brown and gray speckles forming a wreath at larger end. Incubation, 14–15 days; age at fledging 14 days.

conservation status

Common throughout its range.

significance to h umans

A well-known and popular bird in Australia. In parts of New Guinea it is considered to be a gossip or the ghost of a paternal kinsperson bringing good luck.

Resources

Books

Coates, Brian J. "The Birds of Papua New Guinea. Vol. 2. Passerines." Alderley: Dove Publications, 1993.

Higgins, P.J. and J.M. Peter, eds. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Vol. 6. Pardalotes to Figbird. Melbourne: Oxford University Press (in preparation).

Schodde, R. and I.J. Mason. The Directory of Australian Birds. Passerines. Collingwood: CSIRO Publishing, 1999.

Periodicals

Beck, J. and K. Chan. "Habitat Preference of Grey Fantails Rhipidura fuliginosa Wintering in Central Queensland." Sunbird 29 (1999): 41–51.

Major, R.E., G. Gowing, G. and C.E. Kendal. "Nest Predation in Australian Urban Environments and the Role of the Pied Currawong, Strepera graculina." Australian Journal of Ecology 21 (1996): 399–409.

Reis, K.R and R.S. Kennedy. "Review of the Montane Bird Species from Mindanao, Philippines: Part 1—Black-and-Cinnamon Fantail, Rhipidura nigrocinnamomea." Bulletin of the British Ornithologist's Club 119 (1999): 103–109.

Webb-Pullman, B.Z., and M.A. Elgar. "The Influence of Time of Day and Environmental Conditions on the Foraging Behaviours of Willie Wagtails, Rhipidura leucophrys." Australian Journal of Zoology 46 (1998): 137–144.

Organizations

Birds Australia. 415 Riversdale Road, Hawthorn East, Victoria 3123 Australia. Phone: +61 3 9882 2622. Fax: +61 3 98822677. E-mail: mail@birdsaustralia.com.au Web site: <http://www.birdsaustralia.com.au>

Walter E. Boles, PhD