The rufous-backed fantail is a species of bird in the family Rhipiduridae. It is found in New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in the lowland and foothill rainforests of New Guinea, including riverine forests, swamp-forest margins, and secondary growth. It favors dense understory and edge habitats where it can sally after insects. The species is frequently found along shaded streams and clearings within primary forest. It adapts moderately well to regenerating habitats but remains most common in intact lowland rainforest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This lively fantail constantly fans and flicks its tail to flush insects from foliage. It often joins mixed-species flocks in the forest understory and along streams. Its small, neat cup nest is bound with spider silk and camouflaged with bits of bark and lichens.
Temperament
active and restless
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent tail-fanning
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season when pairs defend small territories. Commonly associates with mixed-species foraging flocks in the understory and along streams. Builds a small, neat cup nest placed on a horizontal branch or fork, often secured with spider silk; clutch is small.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers thin, high-pitched whistles interspersed with soft trills. Also gives sharp scolding chips when agitated, especially while foraging or near the nest.
Plumage
Compact fantail with a distinctly rufous back and rump contrasting with darker gray-brown head and wings; underparts buffy to whitish with fine shading. Tail is broad and often fanned, showing paler edges. Throat and face may show lighter patches with a subtle pale eyebrow.
Diet
Primarily hunts small flying and gleaned insects such as flies, beetles, and moths. Uses quick sallies from low perches and hover-gleaning among foliage. Tail-fanning and wing-flicking flush hidden prey from leaves and twigs.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory, along shaded forest trails, and near stream margins. Also uses edges and gaps where insect activity is concentrated.
