The black-and-cinnamon fantail is a species of bird in the fantail family Rhipiduridae. It is endemic to the island of Mindanao in the Philippines where it is found in the tropical montane forests above 1,000 meters above sea level. The specific name is derived from Latin niger for 'black', and cinnamomeus for 'cinnamon'.
Region
Mindanao, southern Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs in tropical montane and mossy forests, typically above the lowland forest belt. Prefers interior forest, ridgelines, and edges with dense undergrowth and epiphyte-laden trees. Frequently uses mid-story perches along trails and stream gullies and will venture to semi-open gaps to forage. It is tied to relatively undisturbed forest but may persist in selectively logged areas with sufficient canopy cover.
Altitude Range
1000–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This energetic fantail constantly fans and flicks its tail to flush insects from foliage. It often joins mixed-species flocks in montane forests and forages by short sallies from low to mid-level perches. Though restricted to Mindanao, it can be fairly common where intact mossy forest remains.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks moving through the mid-story. Builds a small cup nest suspended from a forked twig or branch, typically overhanging a sheltered spot. Pairs are territorial during breeding and perform tail-fanning displays.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers a series of high, thin whistles and trills interspersed with sharp scolding notes. Calls are quick, chatty, and repetitive, often given while actively foraging.
Plumage
Striking contrast of black head, face, and upper breast against rich cinnamon-brown back and underparts. The fan-shaped tail is warm rufous-cinnamon with a darker subterminal band and often darker central feathers. Wings are dusky with rufous edging, and the belly can be slightly paler cinnamon.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small flying and gleaned insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and other arthropods. Uses sallying flights from perches to capture prey in mid-air and gleans from leaves and twigs. Tail-fanning and wing-flicking help disturb hidden insects.
Preferred Environment
Forages along mid-story layers inside mossy and montane forest, along trails, ridgelines, and near forest edges. Will also work around stream corridors and light gaps where insect activity is concentrated.
