Gray Fantail
Rhipidura albiscapa
Also known as: Grey Fantail
About This Species
A restless, active bird of forest understory and woodland edges, easily located by its constant fanning tail motion and soft, chattering calls as it flits after flying insects. It often forages low, sallying out from a perch within a few metres of the ground, and can be approached more easily than most small songbirds because it is naturally inquisitive. Cooler months and overcast days tend to bring more active foraging bouts, improving the odds of a good view.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- This species often approaches observers on its own, but it is still best to stay still and let it come to you rather than following it through dense cover.
- Native birds are protected under wildlife legislation across its range, and nests should never be approached or handled.
- A slow, quiet posture is usually enough to enjoy close views without causing stress to the bird.
LCAvesPasseriformesRhipiduridae
Seasonal Activity
1,170,454 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Rhipiduridae
Photo
Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons
CC-BY-SA-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.