Rhipidura superciliaris
The Mindanao Blue Fantail (Rhipidura superciliaris) is a striking, diminutive passerine endemic to the southern Philippines, renowned for its dazzling cobalt-blue plumage and perpetually fanning tail. Measuring approximately 15-18 cm in length (including its elongated tail) and weighing a mere 8-10.5 grams, this agile bird exhibits brilliant blue on its head, back, and breast, sharply contrasted by a prominent white supercilium that extends behind the eye. Its underparts are pure white, compl...
This species primarily inhabits primary and mature secondary lowland forest, forest edges, and dense undergrowth, often favoring areas near streams or moist gullies. It is typically found at elevations ranging from sea level up to about 1,000 meters, occasionally venturing higher.
The Mindanao Blue Fantail feeds almost exclusively on small insects and spiders, which it catches in flight or gleans from vegetation.
The Mindanao Blue Fantail is a highly active, diurnal bird, rarely still for more than a few seconds, constantly fluttering its wings and fanning its long tail. It is a quintessential aerial insectivore, employing a 'sally-glean' foraging strategy where it darts out from a perch to snatch insects...
The Mindanao Blue Fantail is strictly endemic to the southern Philippines, with its distribution confined to the large island of Mindanao and the smaller island of Basilan, located just southwest of Mindanao. It is a resident species throughout its range, showing no migratory movements. Within th...
Least Concern
- The Mindanao Blue Fantail is famous for its almost perpetual tail-fanning and wagging, giving it a 'dancing' appearance. - Its vibrant cobalt-blue plumage is among the most striking of any fantail species. - The bright white 'supercilium' or eyebrow is a critical field mark, making it instantly...