White-bellied Thicket Fantail

The White-bellied Thicket Fantail, Rhipidura leucothorax, presents itself as a medium-sized bird, measuring 18 centimeters in length and weighing between 19 to 19.7 grams. Its plumage is a study in contrasts, with a blackish hue dominating the upper parts, while the underparts boast a pristine white. White spots adorn the chest, wings, and sides of the neck, and the tail is tipped with white. A distinctive short white stripe sits above the eye, and the legs range from dark gray to black. The tail is characteristically upturned and fanned, a signature of the species. Both sexes share a similar appearance, and juveniles echo the adults but are tinged with brown and have a completely black bill.

Identification Tips

To distinguish the White-bellied Thicket Fantail from its relatives, note the white belly, which is a key identifier and the source of its name. It can be confused with the Black Thicket Fantail (R. maculipectus), which lacks the white breast, and the Sooty Thicket Fantail (R. threnothorax), which does not have a white-tipped tail.

Habitat

This species thrives in the dense undergrowth of subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and mangrove forests, preferring the thickets of plains and hills up to 1350 meters above sea level.

Distribution

The White-bellied Thicket Fantail is endemic to New Guinea, including the western and southeastern parts of the island and the nearby Kairiru and Muschu islands.

Behaviour

Despite being part of the fantail family, known for their strong flying abilities, the White-bellied Thicket Fantail is a rather weak flier, necessitating frequent perches. These birds are elusive and secretive, making them a challenge to spot in their natural habitat.

Song & Calls

The vocalization of this species is characterized by a descending sound followed by a high, ringing note, transcribed as "juu-wee!"

Breeding

The nest of the White-bellied Thicket Fantail is a small cup with an extended "tail," crafted from dried reeds or similar materials, and bound together with spider webs. It is placed in the forks of branches, roughly half a meter above the ground. The clutch typically contains two eggs, which are white with brown and lilac-gray spots concentrated in the middle, measuring 16-19 by 13-14.5 millimeters.

Diet and Feeding

As entomophages, these fantails primarily feed on insects, foraging within a few meters of the ground. They employ a mix of hunting techniques, with approximately 40% of their prey harvested from foliage and 20% caught mid-flight.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the White-bellied Thicket Fantail as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats to its survival at present.

Similar Species

When observing fantails in New Guinea, the Black Thicket Fantail and the Sooty Thicket Fantail may be encountered as similar species, but careful attention to the breast and tail markings will aid in correct identification.