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Overview
Spotted fantail

Spotted fantail

Wikipedia

The spotted fantail is a species of bird in the family Rhipiduridae.

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Distribution

Region

Sundaland (Sumatra and Borneo)

Typical Environment

This species inhabits primary and mature secondary lowland and hill rainforests across Sumatra and Borneo, including parts of Kalimantan (Indonesia), Sabah and Sarawak (Malaysia), and Brunei. It favors dense understory, shady gullies, and streamside thickets where it can sally for insects. It tolerates selectively logged forest but is less common in heavily degraded habitats. It is typically absent from open country and urban areas.

Altitude Range

0–1500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size15–18 cm
Wing Span20–24 cm
Male Weight0.012 kg
Female Weight0.012 kg
Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The spotted fantail fans and flicks its tail constantly to flush hidden insects from foliage. It is an agile understory hunter that often joins mixed-species flocks in rainforest. Nests are neat, cup-shaped structures bound with spider silk and usually placed on slender horizontal branches over streams.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

active and restless

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with frequent sallying flights

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly or in pairs, actively foraging through the understory and lower midstory. Often joins mixed-species flocks, especially along forest streams and trails. Breeding pairs build a neat cup nest bound with spider silk and plant fibers; clutches are typically 2–3 eggs.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A series of thin, high-pitched whistles and trills interspersed with sharp chips. Calls are delivered frequently while foraging and can quicken into a rapid, tinkling sequence during territorial displays.

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