The Mussau fantail or Matthias fantail, is a fantail which is endemic to Mussau Island in the St. Matthias Islands of Papua New Guinea.
Region
Bismarck Archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Mussau Island, inhabiting lowland rainforest, forest edges, and secondary growth. It forages from the understory to mid-story, often along paths, openings, and light gaps where insects are plentiful. It can use disturbed habitats and plantations if some tree cover remains. Nests are placed in forested areas with suitable horizontal branches and cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Mussau fantail, also called the Matthias fantail, is confined to Mussau Island in the St. Matthias Islands of Papua New Guinea. Like other fantails, it frequently fans and flicks its tail while foraging, flushing insects from foliage. It adapts to secondary growth and edges, but remains most common in intact lowland rainforest. Its active, inquisitive behavior makes it easy to detect despite its small size.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, it defends small territories during the breeding season. It may accompany mixed-species foraging flocks in forest edges and secondary growth. The nest is a small, neat cup suspended from a horizontal fork or branch, and both parents participate in rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, thin series of trills and squeaky notes delivered from low perches. Calls include sharp chips and scolding chatter when disturbed.
