The Taliabu fantail is a species of bird in the family Rhipiduridae. It is endemic to Taliabu in Indonesia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It was considered conspecific with the rusty-bellied fantail.
Region
Sula Islands
Typical Environment
Confined to Taliabu Island, where it occupies primary and mature secondary evergreen forests from the lowlands into the lower montane zone. It frequents shaded understory and midstory layers, especially along forest edges, stream gullies, and lightly disturbed interiors. The species also forages in bamboo thickets and along natural clearings but is less common in heavily degraded habitats. Mixed-species flocking is frequent in suitable forest.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This lively fantail is almost constantly fanning and flicking its tail as it sallies after insects in the forest understory. It was formerly lumped with the rusty-bellied fantail but differs in voice and plumage, reflecting its long isolation on Taliabu. Like many Taliabu endemics, it is sensitive to forest loss and persists best in intact habitats.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent tail fanning
Social Behavior
Often encountered in pairs or family groups and commonly joins mixed-species flocks moving through the understory. Builds a small, neat cup nest suspended from a forked twig, with both parents contributing to care. Territorial displays include tail-fanning and quick, fluttering chases.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched whistles and trills interspersed with soft chattering notes. Calls become more insistent when agitated and while following mixed flocks.
Plumage
Compact fantail with brown to gray-brown upperparts and a contrasting rufous to rusty belly; throat paler with a faint whitish wash and a subtle pale eyebrow. Tail is frequently fanned, showing darker central feathers with pale edges and a narrow subterminal band. Overall soft, slightly fluffy texture typical of forest fantails.
Diet
Primarily small flying insects such as flies, moths, and beetles, taken by short sallies from low to mid-level perches. Also gleans spiders and larvae from foliage and twigs. Tail-fanning and wing-flicking help flush prey from leaves.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in shaded understory and midstory of humid forest, along edges, and in vine tangles and bamboo. Often forages along stream margins and light gaps where insect activity is high.
