Australian Rufous Fantail
Rhipidura rufifrons
NativeStatus
Fairly CommonRarity
Bird Gallery
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Species Description
The Arafura Fantail is a small, energetic songbird found in northern Australia and nearby regions. Known for its lively behaviour and constant movement, this bird is a familiar sight in dense, wet habitats such as mangroves and forest edges.
Fun Facts
Arafura Fantails are known for their boldness and may approach people closely, especially if insects are being disturbed nearby.
1. Frequently fans and wags its tail while foraging.
2. Moves actively through dense vegetation, often close to the ground.
3. Shows a reddish-brown rump and a white throat with a black border.
Arafura Fantails are almost always in motion, using their fanned tails and quick movements to flush insects from foliage. They catch prey in mid-air or pick it from leaves and branches. These birds often join mixed-species feeding flocks, where their active foraging helps other birds find food as well. Their constant activity and tail-fanning are key behaviours that set them apart from many other insect-eating birds
Look for Arafura Fantails in wetter habitats with dense undergrowth, such as mangroves, rainforest edges, and riparian zones in northern Australia and southern New Guinea. They are often seen flitting through low branches and shrubs
Physical Attributes
Height
16 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds25%
Habitat
No habitat information available
Top Locations
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