Rhipidura opistherythra
The Long-tailed Fantail (Rhipidura opistherythra) is a charismatic and highly active passerine, endemic to the island of Buru in Indonesia. This medium-sized bird, measuring 17-19 cm in length, is instantly recognizable by its striking rufous rump and vent, contrasted with a clean white throat and a distinct black breast band across its chest. Its most notable field mark, true to its name, is its exceptionally long tail, which it constantly fans and spreads like an open fan, a behavior charac...
Its primary habitat consists of subtropical or tropical moist lowland and montane forests, typically found from sea level up to approximately 1,500 meters in elevation.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on small flying insects and arthropods, which it captures during agile aerial pursuits or gleans from foliage.
The Long-tailed Fantail is a hyperactive, diurnal insectivore, rarely sitting still for more than a few seconds. It primarily forages in the mid-story and undergrowth of forests, using its characteristic 'fantailing' technique: constantly fanning and spreading its long tail while making quick, er...
The Long-tailed Fantail is an island endemic, found exclusively on Buru, one of the larger islands within the Maluku Islands archipelago of Indonesia. Its distribution covers the entire island, inhabiting both lowland and montane forest ecosystems. There are no known breeding or wintering ranges ...
Least Concern
- The Long-tailed Fantail is entirely endemic to Buru Island, Indonesia, meaning it's found nowhere else on Earth. - Its scientific name, *opistherythra*, translates roughly to 'red behind,' referring to its distinctive rufous rump. - It's one of the most active forest birds, constantly flitting,...