White-spotted Fantail

The White-spotted Fantail, or Spot-breasted Fantail (Rhipidura albogularis), presents itself as a small passerine bird, measuring approximately 19 cm in length. Its plumage is primarily slate grey with a distinctive black eye mask. The bird's name is derived from its notable white supercilium and throat, as well as the white-edged, dark fan-shaped tail. A grey breast band, adorned with white spots, completes its striking appearance.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the White-spotted Fantail, look for its white throat and eyebrow, which contrast sharply with the black eye mask. The white edges of its tail are particularly visible in flight or when the tail is fanned. The grey breast band with white spots is another key feature to distinguish it from similar species.

Habitat

This species is known to inhabit forests, scrublands, and areas of cultivation, where it can be found flitting about in the undergrowth.

Distribution

The White-spotted Fantail is a bird of southern and central India. It is not a migratory species, and thus its presence is confined to this geographical area.

Behaviour

The White-spotted Fantail is an active bird, often seen fanning its tail as it moves through the undergrowth in search of insects. It constructs a small cup nest in a tree, where it lays a clutch of three eggs.

Song & Calls

The male White-spotted Fantail is not particularly known for its song, but it does produce a distinctive call. This call consists of a series of loud musical notes divided into two parts: the first part with 5-6 trilling notes that rise and fall, followed by 4-5 notes that ascend the scale, culminating in the highest note. This song, used year after year with slight variations, is an essential tool for the bird's identification.

Breeding

The breeding behavior of the White-spotted Fantail involves the construction of a small cup nest in a tree, where the female lays a clutch of three eggs.

Diet and Feeding

As an insectivorous bird, the White-spotted Fantail actively forages for insects within its habitat, often seen fanning its tail to disturb prey.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the White-spotted Fantail as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face any significant threats to its survival.