The Natewa silktail is a species of bird endemic to Fiji. This beautiful bird looks superficially like a diminutive bird-of-paradise but it is actually closely related to the fantails.
Region
South Pacific (Fiji)
Typical Environment
This species is confined to intact lowland and foothill rainforests of the Natewa Peninsula. It prefers dense, shaded understory with abundant leaf litter, vine tangles, and fern thickets. Birds are often encountered along forested stream gullies and in mature secondary growth adjacent to primary forest. It avoids heavily logged areas and open agricultural land. Habitat quality and continuity are key to its presence and local abundance.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Natewa silktail is found only on the Natewa Peninsula of Vanua Levu in Fiji. Though it resembles a tiny bird-of-paradise, genetic evidence shows it is closely related to fantails. Its name comes from the silky, filament-like tail feathers that shimmer when the bird displays in dim rainforest light. It belongs to the distinctive, Fijian-endemic genus Lamprolia.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile darting through understory
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or family parties, and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the understory. Nests are neat cup structures placed low to mid-level in dense vegetation. Pairs maintain small territories and perform short display flights that show off the silky tail.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched whistles and tinkling notes interspersed with soft chips. Calls carry poorly, suited to dense forest, and may be accompanied by rustling wing sounds during displays.
Plumage
Velvety black overall with a satiny sheen and fine iridescent spangling on the upperparts; contrasting white rump and lower back; tail feathers with silky, filamentous tips. Females are duller with less iridescence and a browner tone.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as insects and spiders. It gleans from leaves and twigs, hover-gleans in front of foliage, and makes short sallies to snatch prey mid-air. Foraging is methodical, focusing on shaded tangles, palm fronds, and vine clusters. It occasionally probes moss and epiphytes on trunks.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the dark, humid understory and lower midstory of primary and mature secondary rainforest. Often forages along stream margins and in dense vine thickets where insect abundance is high.
