Rhipidura nigrocinnamomea
The Black-and-cinnamon Fantail (Rhipidura nigrocinnamomea) is a striking and active passerine, endemic to the southern Philippines. Measuring approximately 14-15 cm in length and weighing 10-12 grams, it is easily identified by its distinctive bicolored plumage: glossy black head, nape, and upperparts, sharply contrasted with rufous-cinnamon underparts extending from the breast to the undertail-coverts. A prominent white throat, bordered by a black malar stripe, further enhances its unique ap...
Found primarily in tropical moist lowland and montane forests, forest edges, and clearings, from sea level up to 2,000 meters in elevation.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of small insects including flies, beetles, moths, and spiders, captured by aerial hawking or gleaning.
This fantail is a highly active and diurnal insectivore, rarely staying still for long. It employs a dynamic foraging strategy, making frequent short flights to snatch insects in the air (aerial hawking) or glean them from foliage and bark. Its constantly fanned tail is believed to help flush hid...
The Black-and-cinnamon Fantail is strictly endemic to the southern Philippines, with its distribution centered on the large island of Mindanao. Its range also extends to several smaller, associated islands including Basilan, Dinagat, and Siargao. Within these areas, the species is considered wide...
Least Concern
- Its scientific name, 'nigrocinnamomea,' literally means 'black-cinnamon,' perfectly describing its striking plumage. - The Black-and-cinnamon Fantail is one of over 40 species in the Rhipidura genus, all known for their distinctive tail-fanning. - It often joins mixed-species foraging flocks, b...