Black Thicket Fantail

The Black Thicket Fantail, scientifically known as Rhipidura maculipectus, is a medium-sized bird with a distinctive long tail, typically measuring 18-19 cm in length and weighing between 18-19 grams. Its plumage is primarily blackish, adorned with white spots on the chest and wings, and a white-tipped tail. A notable white stripe sits above the eye, accompanied by a white spot on the side of the neck. The tail is characteristically upturned and fanned.

Identification Tips

To identify the Black Thicket Fantail, look for its black plumage with white markings, particularly the spots on the chest and wings, and the white tip of the tail. The bird also features a short white stripe above the eye and a white spot on the neck. The iris is dark brown, and the beak is black with a pinkish underside. Males and females appear similar, though females may exhibit fewer spots and a paler abdomen. Juveniles present a sooty black coloration with a less distinct white supraorbital spot and white-tipped tail feathers.

Habitat

This species thrives in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests.

Distribution

The Black Thicket Fantail is native to the Aru Islands and New Guinea.

Behaviour

Black Thicket Fantails are secretive birds, making them somewhat elusive to observers. Unlike other fantails, which are strong fliers, this species, along with its thicket fantail relatives, exhibits weak flight capabilities and frequently alights.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Black Thicket Fantail include a rising, ringing, metallic song that culminates in a distinctive "wee-chuv!" call.

Similar Species

The Black Thicket Fantail can be confused with the White-bellied Thicket Fantail (R. leucothorax), which has a white breast, and the Sooty Thicket Fantail (R. threnothorax), which lacks the white tip on the tail.

Diet and Feeding

As entomophages, Black Thicket Fantails primarily feed on insects. They typically hunt within 1-2 meters of the ground, catching their prey mid-flight with horizontal sallies from a low perch.

Conservation status

The Black Thicket Fantail is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of widespread decline.