The New Caledonian streaked fantail is a species of bird in the family Rhipiduridae. It is endemic to New Caledonia, and the Loyalty Islands. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It was formerly considered as conspecific with the Vanuatu streaked fantail and the Fiji streaked fantail with the English name "streaked fantail".
Region
Southwest Pacific (New Caledonia and Loyalty Islands)
Typical Environment
Found in subtropical and tropical moist forests, including both primary and mature secondary growth. It frequents forest understory and mid-story, often along edges, clearings, and riparian corridors. The species adapts to degraded forest and thickets where sufficient cover and insect prey are present. It forages in mixed flocks at times, but is most often seen as pairs within territories.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A lively member of the Rhipiduridae, this fantail constantly flicks and fans its tail while foraging, flushing insects from foliage. It is endemic to New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands and inhabits humid forests from lowlands to montane zones. It was formerly treated as part of a wider 'streaked fantail' complex with Vanuatu and Fiji populations, but is now recognized as distinct.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs maintaining small territories, occasionally joining mixed-species flocks while foraging. Builds a neat, cup-shaped nest suspended in a fork, using fibers, rootlets, and spider silk. Likely monogamous during breeding, with both parents participating in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of high, thin whistles and scolding chatters delivered from low to mid-level perches. Calls are quick, buzzy trills given frequently while foraging and during territorial encounters.
