The blue-headed fantail is a fantail endemic to the northern Philippines where it is found on the islands of Luzon and Catanduanes. Until recently, it was considered conspecific with the Tablas fantail and Visayan fantail.
Region
Northern Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and secondary lowland to mid-montane forests, forest edges, and along riparian corridors. It tolerates selectively logged and regenerating habitats but is most frequent where there is dense understory or bamboo thickets. The species forages from the lower understory to mid-canopy, often near clearings and trails. It is absent from open agricultural areas far from forest cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The blue-headed fantail is a hyperactive insect-hunter that constantly flicks and fans its tail to flush prey from foliage. It is endemic to the northern Philippines, chiefly on Luzon and Catanduanes, and was formerly lumped with the Tablas and Visayan fantails before being split based on differences in plumage and vocalizations. It readily joins mixed-species flocks in forest understory and edge habitats.
A Philippine Postage Stamp from 1992
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or family groups and commonly joins mixed-species flocks. Builds a small cup nest suspended from a forked twig in the understory; both parents participate in care. Breeding is thought to occur during the drier months, with timing varying locally.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers a series of thin, high-pitched whistles interspersed with buzzy trills. Scolding chatter and sharp chips are common when agitated or when following flocks.
Plumage
Slaty-blue head and upper breast with a darker facial mask; warm brown to olive-brown back and wings with pale edging; whitish throat and belly with buffy flanks; long tail frequently fanned, showing contrasting white corners and tips.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small flying and foliage-dwelling insects such as flies, moths, beetles, and ants. Captures prey by short sallies from low perches and by gleaning from leaves and twigs. It often uses tail-fanning and flicking to startle insects into movement.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded understory and along forest edges, trails, and stream margins. Frequently works through vine tangles and bamboo, and will follow mixed flocks through mid-level vegetation.
