The Visayan fantail is a fantail endemic to the Philippines on the islands of Negros, Panay, Guimaras, Masbate and Ticao. Until recently, it was considered conspecific with the blue-headed fantail and the Tablas fantail.
Region
Central Philippines (Visayas)
Typical Environment
Occurs on the Visayan islands of Negros, Panay, Guimaras, Masbate, and Ticao. It inhabits primary and secondary lowland to lower montane forests, forest edges, and riparian corridors. The species adapts well to regenerating forest, bamboo thickets, and lightly wooded plantations near natural forest. It is most frequently encountered along trails and gaps where it can sally for insects. Local abundance varies with forest quality, generally higher in intact or well-regenerated habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Visayan fantail constantly fans and flicks its tail while foraging, flushing insects from foliage and air. It often joins mixed-species flocks and can be quite confiding along forest trails. Formerly treated as conspecific with the Blue-headed Fantail and the Tablas Fantail, it is now recognized as a distinct Visayan endemic.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and commonly joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Nests are neat cup-shaped structures placed on horizontal branches or forks, typically over clearings or streams. Both parents participate in territorial defense and provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers a series of thin, high-pitched whistles and trills interspersed with sharp chips. Calls are given frequently while foraging and during flock interactions, becoming more musical and sustained in the breeding season.
Plumage
Compact fantail with a contrasting head and belly, often appearing slate-blue above with a clean white underbody. The tail is broad and frequently fanned, showing white edges and tips. Wings are dusky with subtle pale edging; throat and breast can show a pale to whitish wash blending into the white belly.
Diet
Primarily hunts small flying and foliage-dwelling insects such as moths, flies, beetles, and hymenopterans. Also takes spiders and other small arthropods gleaned from leaves and branches. Foraging includes short sallies from perches and hover-gleaning at edges and gaps. It occasionally snaps prey flushed by its own tail-fanning behavior.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, clearings, and shaded trails where insects concentrate. Frequently works the mid-story and understory and follows mixed-species flocks to capitalize on disturbed prey.
