The white-bellied fantail is a species of bird in the family Rhipiduridae.
Region
Borneo
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane and submontane evergreen forests across the island of Borneo, including Malaysia (Sabah, Sarawak), Brunei, and Indonesian Kalimantan. It favors mossy forest, ridges, and forested ravines, often near streams. Birds forage from the understorey to mid-canopy, working along edges and gaps as well as inside mature forest. Frequently associates with mixed flocks and may use secondary growth if adjacent to intact forest.
Altitude Range
600–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small, agile fantail constantly fans and flicks its tail while foraging, which helps flush insects from foliage. It is a canopy-to-midstorey insect hunter that readily joins mixed-species flocks in montane forest. Pairs maintain territories and build neat cup nests on horizontal branches over gullies or streams.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or family groups, and often joins mixed-species flocks. Pairs hold territories and communicate with frequent calls while foraging. Nests are neat cups placed on horizontal branches, typically over gullies or near water.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, thin whistles and brief trills delivered from within the midstorey. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes given frequently while moving through foliage.
Plumage
Dark slaty to blackish upperparts with a clean white belly and vent; tail frequently fanned showing contrasting pale edges. Subtle white supercilium and throat markings may be present, with a darker breast and flanks accentuating the white belly.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods, including flies, beetles, moths, and spiders. Captures prey by sallying from perches, hover-gleaning from leaves, and snatching insects flushed by its fanning tail. Often forages methodically along branches and vine tangles, taking prey from the understorey up to the mid-canopy.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, gaps, and along shaded streams within montane evergreen forest. Commonly forages in mixed-species flocks where it exploits disturbed insects and shared vigilance.
