The white-browed fantail is a small passerine bird belonging to the family Rhipiduridae.
Region
Indian Subcontinent
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across the Indian subcontinent, including much of India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and adjacent regions. Prefers open woodland, scrub, forest edges, parks and gardens, often near water or along riparian corridors. It tolerates human presence and thrives in semi-urban green spaces. During the breeding season it favors sites with scattered trees and low understory for foraging and nest placement.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
White-browed fantails are energetic insect-hawkers that constantly fan and wag their tails, flushing prey from foliage. They often nest on low horizontal branches using fine fibers and spider silk to bind a neat cup. Common in gardens and forest edges, they readily adapt to human-modified landscapes. Their clear, whistled song carries well and is a familiar sound in many South Asian habitats.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, becoming territorial during breeding. Outside the breeding season they may join loose mixed flocks in suitable habitat. The neat cup nest is placed on a horizontal branch or fork, bound with spider silk; both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, whistled series often delivered from a prominent perch, frequently including repeated three-note phrases. Calls are sharp chips and trills, interspersed with more musical phrases during the breeding season.
