Mangrove Fantail
Rhipidura phasiana
NativeStatus
Fairly CommonRarity
Bird Gallery
1 / 5
Species Description
The Mangrove Grey Fantail is a small, active bird found in the mangrove forests along northern and northwestern Australia. It is closely related to the more widespread Grey Fantail but is distinguished by its paler colouration and strong association with coastal mangrove habitats.
Fun Facts
The Mangrove Grey Fantail is almost always seen in mangrove forests, making it a reliable indicator of healthy coastal mangrove ecosystems.
1. Very faint, narrow grey breast band between the white throat and buff belly, much less distinct than in the Grey Fantail
2. Overall paler plumage compared to other fantails, with light grey upperparts and buff underparts.
3. Double white wing-bars and white-tipped tail feathers create pale flashes during movement.
The Mangrove Grey Fantail is found along the northern and northwestern coastlines of Australia, from Shark Bay in Western Australia through the Northern Territory to the Gulf of Carpentaria in Queensland. It is almost exclusively found in coastal mangrove forests, especially those dominated by Red, Grey, and River Mangroves. Occasionally, it may be seen in nearby paperbark thickets or acacia shrublands but rarely strays far from mangroves. Early morning and late afternoon are good times to observe their active foraging and tail-fanning behaviour
Physical Attributes
Height
18 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds32%
Top Locations
Coming Soon!
Top birding locations will be available in a future update.