The mangrove fantail is a species of bird in the family Rhipiduridae. It is found in the Aru Islands and along the coast of southeastern New Guinea, western and northern Australia.
Region
Northern Australia, southern New Guinea, and the Aru Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs in dense mangrove forests, especially along tidal estuaries, creeks, and sheltered bays. It frequents the midstory and edges of Rhizophora and Avicennia mangroves, often moving into adjacent coastal thickets and paperbark swamps. The species is closely tied to brackish, intertidal habitats and tolerates daily tidal inundation. Nests are typically placed on exposed branches over water or mud.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This lively fantail is tightly associated with coastal mangrove forests, where it constantly fans its tail to flush insects from foliage. It builds a delicate cup nest bound with spider silk, often suspended over water. Its agility and near-constant motion make it a conspicuous insect hunter along tidal creeks.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile fluttering and frequent tail-fanning
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups, defending linear territories along mangrove creeks. The nest is a small, neat cup made of fine plant fibers and spider silk, placed on an exposed branch, often over water. Both parents incubate and feed the young, and family groups may remain together after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers high, thin trills and rapid chattering phrases, interspersed with sharp scold notes. Vocalizations are frequent during territory defense and while foraging in dense cover.
Plumage
Smooth grey to grey-brown upperparts with a whitish throat and pale underparts; tail is broad and often fanned, showing white edges and tips. Subtle streaking may appear on the breast, with a slightly buff wash on the flanks in some birds.
Diet
Consumes small flying and crawling insects, including flies, mosquitoes, moths, beetles, and spiders. It often sallies from low perches to snatch prey in midair and also gleans from leaves and bark. Tail-fanning is used to flush insects from foliage, improving capture success.
Preferred Environment
Forages along mangrove edges, shaded creek margins, and the lower to mid-canopy of mangrove trees. Will also use adjacent coastal scrub and paperbark swales, especially where insects are abundant.
