The Bougainville fantail, formerly the brown fantail, is a species of bird in the family Rhipiduridae. It is endemic of Bougainville Island in the Solomon Islands. It was formerly considered to be conspecific with the Guadalcanal fantail.
Region
Solomon Islands archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs across Bougainville Island in primary and secondary tropical forest, forest edges, and wooded gardens. It favors the understory to mid-story, where it can maneuver easily through tangles and saplings. The species tolerates disturbed habitats better than many forest specialists, often appearing along tracks and clearings. It can join mixed-species flocks in suitable forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Bougainville fantail is a small, lively flycatcher that constantly fans and flicks its tail as it forages. It was formerly treated within the brown fantail complex but is now recognized as distinct, confined to Bougainville Island. Its agility and willingness to forage near people make it conspicuous along forest edges and gardens.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly, in pairs, or family groups, and frequently accompanies mixed-species flocks. Builds a small, neat cup nest suspended in a fork, often bound with spider silk and camouflaged with plant fibers. Pairs defend a modest territory during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A quick series of high, thin whistles and chattering notes, delivered from low perches. Calls are sharp and ticking, often given while actively fanning and flicking the tail.
Plumage
Mostly warm brown with paler buffy underparts and a slightly rufous wash; tail is often spread, showing contrasting pale edges. Subtle streaking or mottling may be present on the breast, and the wings show slightly darker coverts.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small flying insects such as flies, beetles, and moths, also taking spiders and other arthropods. Captures prey by short sallies from low perches and by gleaning from leaves and twigs. The fanned tail helps flush insects from foliage and undergrowth. Will opportunistically hawk insects in small clearings and along trails.
Preferred Environment
Understory edges, vine tangles, and light gaps within forest, as well as wooded gardens and plantations. Often forages along paths where insects are more easily flushed.
