The Kadavu fantail is a species of bird in the fantail family Rhipiduridae. It is endemic to Kadavu and Ono in the Kadavu archipelago, in southern Fiji. It is closely related to the streaked fantail of the rest of Fiji, and forms a superspecies with the numerous island species of fantail ranging from the Solomon Islands to Samoa.
Region
Fiji Islands, Southwest Pacific
Typical Environment
This species is confined to the forests of Kadavu and nearby Ono, where it occupies lowland and foothill rainforests, edges, and well-vegetated gardens. It favors understory to midstory strata and frequently forages along shaded trails and stream margins. The fantail tolerates secondary growth and selectively logged forest, provided there is dense foliage and insect prey. It is most numerous in intact rainforest but can persist in mosaics of forest and cultivation.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Kadavu fantail is endemic to the islands of Kadavu and Ono in southern Fiji and closely related to the streaked fantail found elsewhere in Fiji. Like many fantails, it constantly fans and flicks its tail while foraging, flushing insects from foliage. It often joins mixed-species flocks and adapts reasonably well to secondary forest and forest edges.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and readily joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Builds a neat cup nest suspended from a forked twig, typically low to mid height in forest. Both adults participate in nest building, incubation, and chick feeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched trills and twitters interspersed with sharp scolds. The song is rapid and variable, often delivered while actively fanning the tail and moving through foliage.
