The Bismarck fantail is a fantail native to the islands New Britain and New Ireland. The binomial commemorates the German naturalist Friedrich Dahl.
Region
Bismarck Archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs on New Britain, New Ireland, and nearby islets in the Bismarck Archipelago of Papua New Guinea. It occupies lowland and foothill rainforest, forest edges, and secondary growth, and adapts well to gardens and plantations near forest. Birds are frequently seen along streams, clearings, and roadsides where insect activity is high. It tolerates moderate habitat disturbance but remains most numerous in intact or semi-natural woodland.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A lively island fantail, it constantly fans and flicks its tail while foraging, which helps flush insects from foliage. It is named in honor of the German naturalist Friedrich Dahl. Often joins mixed-species flocks in forest edges and secondary growth, where it can be quite confiding around people.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or small family groups and frequently associates with mixed-species foraging flocks. Builds a neat cup nest of fibers bound with spider silk, typically suspended from a horizontal fork. Both parents take part in territory defense and provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers a high, thin series of trills and chips interspersed with squeaky scolds. Calls are rapid and persistent while foraging, becoming more emphatic during territorial encounters.
