Northern fantail

The northern fantail is a species of bird in the family Rhipiduridae. It is found in New Guinea, Timor, and northern Australia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests. The Biak fantail was formerly considered a subspecies.

Distribution

Region

Australasia

Typical Environment

Occurs from Timor and the Lesser Sundas through New Guinea to northern Australia. Favors subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, edges, and secondary growth. Common in mangrove forests and monsoon woodlands, especially near watercourses. Typically uses the understory to mid-story, making short sallies from exposed perches to catch prey. Tolerates lightly disturbed habitats and forest margins.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size16–18 cm

Wing Span20–24 cm

Male Weight0.017 kg

Female Weight0.016 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Northern fantails constantly flick and fan their tails to flush insects from foliage, a signature behavior of the family Rhipiduridae. They were formerly considered to include the Biak fantail as a subspecies, but that taxon is now treated as a separate species. They often join mixed-species foraging flocks in forest edges and mangroves.

Gallery

Fogg Dam, Middle Point, Northern Territory, Australia

Behaviour

Temperament

active and restless

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with frequent sallies

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly or in pairs, but frequently accompanies mixed-species flocks along forest edges. Builds a small cup nest suspended from a forked branch, typically over or near water. Both parents participate in nesting duties and defense.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A series of thin, high-pitched whistles and trills interspersed with sharp scolding notes. Calls are delivered frequently while foraging and during territorial displays.

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Identification

Leg Colordark grey

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Soft brownish-grey upperparts with paler buff underparts and a slight rufous wash on the belly; whitish throat and faint eyebrow. Tail is broad, often fanned, dark with conspicuous whitish edges and tips. Feathers appear smooth with subtle mottling rather than bold patterning.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Feeds primarily on small flying insects such as flies, moths, and beetles, plus spiders and other arthropods. Captures prey by sallying from low to mid-level perches and by gleaning from leaves and twigs. Tail-fanning and wing-flicking help flush insects from cover.

Preferred Environment

Forages along forest edges, in understory gaps, and within mangroves and riparian corridors. Often hunts near clearings and along tracks where visibility and insect activity are higher.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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