The dimorphic fantail is a species of bird in the family Rhipiduridae. It is found in the New Guinea Highlands. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout moist montane forests on the island of New Guinea, including both primary and secondary growth. It frequents forest interiors, edges, and light gaps where it can maneuver through the understory and mid-story. The species also uses mossy forest and riparian corridors along mountain streams. It is locally common where suitable habitat persists and often follows mixed flocks along ridges and slopes.
Altitude Range
800–2800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
True to its name, the dimorphic fantail occurs in two plumage morphs—dark and pale—which can appear together in the same area. It is an agile insect-hunter that constantly fans and flicks its tail while sallying for prey in the montane forests of New Guinea. Often joining mixed-species flocks, it helps flush insects from foliage with its restless movements.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, it readily joins mixed-species flocks moving along montane slopes. Pairs are likely territorial during breeding, building a small, neat cup nest in a forked branch or sapling. Both adults may participate in nest defense with conspicuous tail-fanning and chattering displays.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched whistles interspersed with soft trills and chatters. Calls are often delivered while foraging and can accelerate into excited scolding when disturbed.
Plumage
Two distinct morphs: a dark morph that is largely sooty-brown to blackish, and a pale morph with gray-brown upperparts and whitish underparts. Both morphs show a broad, rounded tail that is frequently spread, with subtly paler outer edges. Texture is soft and smooth, aiding in quiet movement through dense foliage.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small flying and foliage-dwelling insects such as flies, moths, beetles, and small spiders. It employs short sallies from perches and agile hover-gleaning to pick prey from leaves and twigs. Tail-fanning and wing-flicking help flush hidden insects. Occasional foraging near riparian edges takes advantage of emerging insects.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the understory and mid-story of moist montane forests, along edges, light gaps, and streamside vegetation. It favors areas with layered foliage and perches that allow quick, repeated sallies.
