Rhipidura aureola
The White-browed Fantail, *Rhipidura aureola*, is a small, energetic passerine bird renowned for its restless, acrobatic movements and distinctive tail-fanning behavior, earning it the nickname "Dancing Fantail." Measuring 16-18 cm (6-7 inches) in length and weighing a mere 9-12 grams, this species is characterized by its sooty brown-grey upperparts, a striking white supercilium (eyebrow), a distinct black breast band, and a clean white throat. Its rufous-orange rump and white-tipped outer ta...
Found primarily in open deciduous forests, dry thorn scrub, plantations, and cultivated areas, often near water bodies, typically ranging from plains up to 1500 meters in elevation.
Exclusively insectivorous, primarily consuming small flying insects such as flies, moths, beetles, and ants, along with spiders, typically caught in agile aerial pursuit.
The White-browed Fantail is a ceaselessly active, diurnal bird, rarely still for more than a few seconds, constantly flitting and twitching its tail while foraging. Its primary foraging strategy involves sallying forth from a perch to hawk insects in mid-air, gleaning from foliage, or hovering to...
The White-browed Fantail boasts an extensive distribution across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Its core breeding and year-round range encompasses most of India (excluding the extreme northwest and highest Himalayan reaches), Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Further east, it...
Least Concern
- This bird's constant, erratic movements have earned it the nickname 'Dancing Fantail' among birdwatchers. - Its distinctive tail-fanning isn't just for show; it's believed to help flush out hidden insects from foliage, making them easier to catch. - The White-browed Fantail's nest is a marvel o...