The sooty thicket fantail is a species of bird in the family Rhipiduridae. It is found in New Guinea.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occupies dense lowland and foothill rainforests across the island of New Guinea, including swampy sago stands, vine tangles, bamboo thickets, and overgrown secondary growth. Favours shadowy understory and forest-edge thickets close to the ground, where it can move through cover with short bursts. Often occurs along streams, in peat and sago swamps, and at the margins of primary forest. Avoids open habitats and cultivated areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy understory specialist, the sooty thicket fantail spends most of its time near the forest floor, flicking and fanning its tail as it searches for insects. It is more often heard than seen in the dense thickets of New Guinea’s lowland rainforests. Compared with related thicket-fantails, it appears more uniformly sooty and dark. Its quiet, high-pitched calls help pairs keep contact in tangled vegetation.
Temperament
skulking and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief flits between cover
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs maintaining small territories within dense thickets. Nests are small cups placed low in shrubs or vine tangles; both sexes likely share incubation and chick-rearing. Rarely joins mixed-species flocks, preferring to remain concealed near the ground.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched whistles and squeaks, often delivered in short, repeated phrases from concealed perches. Also emits soft scolding trills when disturbed.
