The Solomons rufous fantail is a species of bird in the family Rhipiduridae that is endemic to the Solomon Islands. It was formerly considered to be a subspecies of the Australian rufous fantail.
Region
Melanesia
Typical Environment
Occurs across lowland and foothill rainforests of the Solomon Islands, using both primary and well-developed secondary growth. It favors shaded understorey, forest edges, and riparian corridors. The species adapts to lightly disturbed habitats but remains most numerous in intact forest. It often forages along trails and stream margins where insects are plentiful.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A lively forest fantail, it constantly fans and flicks its rufous tail to flush insects from foliage. It is endemic to the Solomon Islands and was formerly treated as part of the Australian rufous fantail complex. Pairs often shadow human walkers or foraging animals, taking advantage of prey that gets disturbed.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent flits and sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks. Builds a neat cup nest suspended in a fork over streams or trails. Likely monogamous, with both parents sharing incubation and feeding of nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin tinkling notes interspersed with quick scolding chatters. Delivers rapid, squeaky phrases from low perches while foraging.
Plumage
Compact fantail with warm rufous tail and rump, often spread fanlike; brown to rufous-brown upperparts; clean whitish throat with a dusky breast band and lightly streaked or buffy underparts.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small flying and foliage-dwelling insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and ants, and will also take spiders. It sallies from low perches to catch prey in mid-air and gleans from leaves and bark. Tail-fanning and wing-flicking help flush hidden insects.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded understorey, along forest edges, near streams, and along footpaths. Often exploits disturbed microhabitats where insects are concentrated.
