The Palau fantail is a species of bird in the fantail family Rhipiduridae. It is endemic to Palau.
Region
Micronesia (Western Pacific)
Typical Environment
Endemic to the Palau archipelago, where it inhabits primary and secondary forests, coastal thickets, limestone forest, and mangroves. It is frequently seen along forest edges, in agroforests, and around villages and gardens. The species is widespread on the larger islands such as Babeldaob, Koror, Peleliu, and Angaur, and occurs on nearby smaller islets. Its tolerance of disturbed habitats allows it to persist in human-modified landscapes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 240 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Palau fantail is a lively insect-catching bird that constantly fans and flicks its tail while foraging. It readily uses forest edges and gardens, often following people or other animals to snatch flushed insects. Pairs maintain small territories and build delicate cup nests bound with spider silk. Its adaptability to secondary growth has helped it remain common across the main islands of Palau.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, actively foraging through the lower to mid canopy. Pairs defend small territories and construct a neat cup nest in a forked branch, often bound with spider silk. Both parents participate in incubation and feeding young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched whistles interspersed with rapid chip and chatter notes. Calls accelerate during foraging and become sharper when alarmed.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with paler buff underparts, a clean whitish throat, and faint streaking on the breast; tail is broad and frequently fanned, showing white edges.
Diet
Consumes small insects and other arthropods, captured by sallying from perches and by gleaning foliage and bark. Frequently fans its tail to flush prey from leaves and understory. Will hawk flying insects in short, agile bursts.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, in understory tangles, mangroves, and gardens. Often utilizes open glades and paths where insects are more easily disturbed.
