The Guadalcanal fantail is a species of bird in the family Rhipiduridae. It is endemic to the island of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. It was formerly considered as a subspecies of the brown fantail. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Southwest Pacific
Typical Environment
Occurs only on the island of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. It occupies subtropical to tropical moist lowland and foothill forests, including forest edges and well-vegetated secondary growth. Birds are most often encountered in the shaded understory and midstory where they sally from low perches. It frequents stream margins and light gaps where insect activity is high.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This island fantail constantly fans and flicks its tail to flush insects from foliage, then darts out to catch them. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of the brown fantail but is now recognized as a distinct species restricted to Guadalcanal. It tolerates some secondary growth but is sensitive to extensive logging and forest degradation.
Temperament
active and restless
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent sallying
Social Behavior
Typically found singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and often joins mixed-species flocks in forest understory. Pairs are territorial during breeding and perform tail-fanning displays. The nest is a small, neat cup placed on a horizontal fork or slender branch a few meters above ground.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of squeaks and trills interspersed with soft chips. Alarm calls are sharper scolds, and the bird often vocalizes while foraging.
Plumage
Mostly dusky-brown to sooty with a slightly paler throat and breast and warmer brown flanks; tail broad and often fanned, with paler edging.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and spiders. It employs flycatching sallies from low to mid-level perches and also gleans from leaves and twigs. Tail-fanning and wing-flicking help flush prey from dense foliage.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded understory and along forest edges, stream banks, and light gaps within lowland and foothill forests. It also uses regenerating secondary growth where sufficient cover and insect abundance persist.
