Rhipidura javanica
The Sunda Pied Fantail (*Rhipidura javanica*) is a captivating and lively passerine, recognized by its distinctive black-and-white plumage and characteristic tail-fanning behavior. Measuring approximately 18-19 cm in length and weighing a mere 10-15 grams, this bird exhibits glossy black upperparts, head, and a prominent chest band, contrasting sharply with pure white underparts. A prominent white supercilium stretches from above the eye to the nape, while its long, rounded tail is black with...
This adaptable species inhabits a variety of lowland environments, including secondary forests, forest edges, mangroves, scrub, plantations, parks, and gardens, often favoring areas near water.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide array of small flying insects and other invertebrates caught through agile aerial pursuits.
Sunda Pied Fantails are highly active diurnal birds, rarely sitting still, and often seen in pairs. Their foraging strategy primarily involves aerial hawking; they sally from exposed perches to snatch insects in mid-air, often performing acrobatic twists and turns. A characteristic behavior is th...
The Sunda Pied Fantail is widely distributed across Southeast Asia, spanning the Malay Peninsula, Singapore, Sumatra, Java, Bali, Borneo, and the Palawan group of the Philippines. Its range includes countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and the southwestern Philippines. This sp...
Least Concern
- The Sunda Pied Fantail's common name comes from its distinctive habit of constantly fanning its long tail, often resembling an open fan. - This tail-fanning behavior is not just for show; it's believed to startle hidden insects into revealing themselves, making them easier to catch. - They are ...