The Vanuatu streaked fantail is a species of bird in the family Rhipiduridae which is endemic to the Melanesian island of Vanuatu. It was formerly considered to be subspecies of the streaked fantail. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Southwest Pacific (Vanuatu)
Typical Environment
Occurs across multiple islands of Vanuatu in subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, as well as foothill forests. It regularly uses forest edges, riverine thickets, and regenerating secondary growth. The species also forages in plantations and tree-filled gardens close to human habitation. Dense understory and vine tangles are typical microhabitats where it hunts aerial and foliage-dwelling insects.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Vanuatu streaked fantail is a lively insect-hunter that constantly fans and flicks its tail while foraging. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of the broader Streaked Fantail complex but is now recognized as a Vanuatu endemic. It adapts well to secondary growth and edge habitats, which helps it persist near villages and gardens.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent tail-fanning and sallying
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small family groups and may join mixed-species flocks. Pairs defend small territories during breeding season. The nest is a neat cup bound with spider silk and suspended from a forked twig, with both parents participating in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, thin series of whistles and trills interspersed with sharp chips. Vocalizations are frequent while foraging and become more persistent near the nest.
Plumage
Upperparts brown to warm rufous-brown with a contrastingly streaked whitish to buff breast and throat. Tail broad and frequently fanned, showing pale or whitish edges and tips. Underparts buffy with fine dark streaking; plumage appears soft and slightly fluffy when the tail is spread.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and their larvae, along with spiders. It gleans from foliage and makes short sallies to catch prey mid-air. Tail-fanning and wing-flicking help flush insects from leaves and understory tangles.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the shaded understory and midstory of forest and along edges, tracks, and streams. Also uses secondary growth, gardens with trees, and plantations where insect prey is abundant.
