The Peleng fantail is a fantail endemic to the mountainous areas of Peleng island in Indonesia. It can be distinguished from other species of fantail by the black scaling below its black breast patch, bright white throat, and distinct courtship vocalization. It was described in 2020 alongside 9 other new species and subspecies of birds endemic to islands in Wallacea. All of them were discovered in surveys during 2009 and 2013, the largest discovery of its kind in over a century. It may be potentially threatened by deforestation and climate change-fueled wildfires.
Region
Banggai Islands (Wallacea)
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane and submontane forests on Peleng Island, favoring dense, humid interiors and forest edges. It uses the understory to midstory, often along ridgelines, stream gullies, and mossy forest. Secondary growth adjacent to primary forest may also be used where canopy cover remains. The species’ range is naturally limited by the island’s size and elevation profile.
Altitude Range
600–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Peleng fantail is confined to the mountainous forests of Peleng Island in Indonesia. It is distinctive for its bright white throat, black breast patch with fine black scaling below, and a unique courtship vocalization. Described formally in 2020 alongside several other Wallacean endemics, it underscores the region’s exceptional but vulnerable biodiversity. Ongoing habitat loss and climate change-driven fires may pose risks to its small, restricted population.
Temperament
active and restless
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent tail fanning
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, defending small territories in dense forest. Pairs engage in close-following displays and showy tail-fanning during courtship. Nesting is presumed to be a small cup placed on slender branches, with both adults likely sharing parental duties, as in related fantails.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rapid, high-pitched series of trills and whistles delivered from midstory perches. Courtship song is more elaborate and distinctive, interspersed with sharp chattering notes. Alarm calls are quick, scolding chips when disturbed.
Plumage
Dark grey-brown upperparts with a clean white throat and a black breast patch fringed by fine black scaling below; tail often fanned while foraging.
Diet
Primarily small flying and crawling insects such as flies, moths, beetles, and their larvae; also takes spiders. Forages by sallying from low to midstory perches and by gleaning leaves and twigs. Frequent tail-fanning likely helps flush hidden prey. Feeding is energetic and continuous when conditions are favorable.
Preferred Environment
Dense understory and midstory within montane forest, especially along edges, gaps, and near streams. Often hunts along shaded trails and clearings where insects are concentrated.
