Long-tailed fantail

The long-tailed fantail is a species of bird in the family Rhipiduridae. It is endemic to the Tanimbar Islands, where its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.

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Distribution

Region

Tanimbar Islands, Indonesia

Typical Environment

Occurs in subtropical to tropical moist lowland forest across the Tanimbar group, favoring dense understory and midstory. It is most frequent in primary and mature secondary forests, but may use edges and semi-open forest if sufficient cover remains. Birds are often encountered along shaded streams, forest gaps, and lightly disturbed groves. Mangrove margins and scrub are used locally where adjacent to intact woodland.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 300 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size18–21 cm

Wing Span22–26 cm

Male Weight0.015 kg

Female Weight0.014 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This lively fantail is endemic to Indonesia’s Tanimbar Islands and is named for its notably long, constantly fanned tail used to flush insects from foliage. It forages with quick sallies and agile flicks through the understory, often accompanying mixed-species flocks. Ongoing lowland forest loss on the islands poses the main threat to its habitat and long-term security.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

active and inquisitive

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes with dependent juveniles. Frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks in the understory. Nests are small cup-shaped structures bound with spider silk and placed on slender horizontal branches; both parents attend the young.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A series of thin, whistled phrases interspersed with sharp chips and scolds. Calls accelerate during foraging and tail-fanning bouts, giving a busy, chattering impression.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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