The cinnamon-tailed fantail is a fantail restricted to the Banda Sea Islands of Indonesia.
Region
Wallacea (eastern Indonesia)
Typical Environment
Occurs on small and medium-sized islands scattered in the Banda Sea, where it inhabits primary and secondary lowland forest, forest edge, and wooded gardens. It frequents dense understory and midstory, often near clearings or along forest trails. It adapts moderately well to disturbed habitats as long as some tree cover and shrub layers persist. Mangrove edges and coastal thickets may also be used locally. It is typically absent from completely open farmland.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The cinnamon-tailed fantail is a small, highly active flycatcher that constantly fans and flicks its warm-colored tail while foraging. It is restricted to the Banda Sea Islands of Indonesia and is typically found in lowland forests and edge habitats. Like many fantails, it joins mixed-species flocks and uses short sallies to snatch insects in mid-air.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent tail-fanning and sallying
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, but readily joins mixed-species foraging flocks in forest and edge habitats. Builds a small cup nest suspended from a forked twig over open space or near water when available. Both parents typically participate in nest defense and feeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of twitters and trills interspersed with rapid scolding notes. Calls are frequently given while actively foraging, with a sharp, ticking quality when agitated.
Plumage
Compact fantail with warm brown upperparts and a richly cinnamon tail that is often widely fanned; underparts pale with a rufous wash on the flanks and vent. The throat is paler, and the face can show a subtle darker mask with a thin pale eyebrow. Tail shows a slightly darker subterminal band when spread.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small flying and crawling insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and spiders. Captures prey by short aerial sallies from low to mid-level perches and by gleaning from leaves and twigs. Often forages along edges and gaps where insects are concentrated. May follow mixed flocks to exploit disturbed insects.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded forest understory, along trails, and at forest edges with scattered shrubs and saplings. Also uses semi-open gardens and secondary growth where perches and cover are available.
