The Visayan blue fantail is a species of bird in the family Rhipiduridae. It is endemic to the Philippines on the islands of Bohol, Leyte and Samar. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forests. It was previously conspecific with the Mindanao blue fantail.
Region
Central Philippines (Visayas)
Typical Environment
Occurs on the islands of Bohol, Leyte, and Samar, primarily in tropical moist lowland and foothill forests. It uses primary forest as well as secondary growth, forest edges, and riparian corridors. Frequently forages in the understory to midstory, especially near gaps and along trails. Tolerates some disturbance but depends on wooded habitats with dense foliage.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Visayan blue fantail is a lively insect-hawker that constantly flicks and fans its long tail as it forages. Formerly lumped with the Mindanao blue fantail, it is now recognized as a distinct species restricted to the central Philippines. It often joins mixed-species flocks and is most active along forest edges and streams. Its bold white eyebrow and glossy bluish upperparts make it distinctive in the dim forest understory.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallying
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups and commonly joins mixed-species flocks. Nests are typically small, cup-shaped structures placed on horizontal branches in the understory. Pairs maintain small territories during breeding and communicate with frequent tail-fanning displays.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin, twittering trills interspersed with rapid chips and squeaks. Calls are persistent while foraging and become more emphatic during territorial or courtship displays.
Plumage
Glossy bluish to slate-blue upperparts with darker face and mask, contrasting paler grayish underparts. Long, rounded tail frequently fanned; outer feathers slightly paler edged. Fine, sleek feathering suited to maneuvering in dense foliage.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small flying and foliage-dwelling insects such as flies, beetles, and moths. Captures prey by short sallies from perches and by gleaning from leaves and twigs. Occasionally hawks over streams and along forest edges where insects are abundant.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the shaded forest understory to mid-canopy, especially along trails, stream edges, and gaps. Often follows mixed-species flocks to exploit disturbed insects and shared vigilance.
