The Makira fantail or dusky fantail is a species of bird in the family Rhipiduridae. It is endemic to the Solomon Islands.
Region
Solomon Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs on Makira (San Cristobal) and nearby forested areas, primarily in lowland and hill rainforests. It favors dense understory, forest edges, and riparian thickets, and can use secondary growth where canopy cover remains. Birds are most often seen in shaded interior forest, sallying from low perches to catch flying insects. The species tolerates some disturbance but is most numerous in intact forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Makira fantail, also called the dusky fantail, is a small, active flycatcher that constantly fans and flicks its tail while foraging. It is confined to Makira (San Cristobal) in the Solomon Islands, where it occupies forest understory and edges. Like other fantails, it often joins mixed-species flocks and benefits from insects flushed by human or animal movement.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent tail-fanning
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, often joining mixed-species foraging flocks in the understory. Pairs defend small territories during the breeding season and build neat cup nests in low branches or vines. Courtship includes tail-fanning displays and chases through dense foliage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a series of thin, high-pitched whistles and trills interspersed with sharp chipping notes. Calls are persistent while foraging and become more intense near the nest.
Plumage
Overall dusky to sooty-brown with a slightly paler throat and breast; wings may show faint rufous edging. The tail is long and often fanned, appearing dark with subtle pale tips. Underparts are uniformly dark compared to many other fantails.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small flying and crawling insects such as flies, moths, beetles, and ants; will also take small spiders. Captures prey by short sallies from low perches and by gleaning leaves and twigs. Often exploits disturbed insects flushed by larger birds, mammals, or people.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded forest understory, along edges, and near streams where insect activity is high. Uses vine tangles and low branches as launch points for short hawking flights.
