The Rennell fantail is a species of bird in the family Rhipiduridae. It is endemic to Rennell Island.
Region
Solomon Islands
Typical Environment
Confined to Rennell Island, where it inhabits lowland rainforest, edges, and secondary forest. It forages from the understory to the mid-canopy, often near light gaps and along trails. The species appears adaptable to lightly disturbed habitats, provided some native vegetation structure remains. It is absent from open grasslands and heavily cleared areas but can occur in garden-forest mosaics near villages.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Rennell fantail is a lively insect-hawker that constantly fans and flicks its tail to flush prey from foliage. Endemic to Rennell Island in the Solomon Islands, it occupies forest and forest edge and often tolerates secondary growth. Like many fantails, it may follow people or other animals to catch insects they disturb. Its nesting cup is typically woven with fine fibers and spider silk and placed on a slender fork.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small family groups, often joining mixed-species flocks. Pairs defend small territories during breeding and build a neat cup nest suspended on a slender fork. The nest is bound with spider silk and camouflaged with plant fibers and lichens.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of high, thin chips and twittering phrases interspersed with scolding rattles. Calls accelerate during foraging and agitation, with softer contact notes between pair members.
Plumage
Generally dusky to dark brown above with slightly paler underparts; feathers are soft with a full, often fanned tail showing contrasting edges.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small flying and arboreal insects such as flies, moths, beetles, and ants. Captures prey by aerial sallies from low perches and by gleaning from leaves and twigs. Often exploits disturbed insects along trails and at forest edges. May hover briefly to pick prey from foliage.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded understory and at forest margins, especially near gaps and along streams or paths. Uses low to mid-level perches with good sightlines for short pursuits. Will venture into secondary growth and gardens adjacent to forest.
