NORTHERN FANTAIL

The Northern Fantail is a small bird, measuring around 16 cm in length. It has a distinctive fan-shaped tail, which it flicks and spreads while perched. The upperparts are dark brown, and the underparts are a rich rufous colour. It has a white throat, a black face mask, and a black bill.

The Northern Fantail is endemic to Australia and is primarily found in the northern parts of the country. Its range extends across northern Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland.

These birds inhabit a variety of habitats, including woodlands, open forests, and mangroves. They are often found near water sources such as rivers, swamps, or coastal areas. They are also known to venture into gardens and urban areas with suitable vegetation.

Northern Fantails are energetic and agile birds. They have a distinctive flight pattern with frequent changes in direction and quick turns. They are known for their fan-shaped tail display, which they use during courtship and territorial displays. They feed on insects, which they catch in mid-air or glean from foliage.

The Northern Fantail has a repertoire of vocalizations, including musical trills, warbles, and chattering calls. These vocalizations are used for communication, territorial defense, and courtship displays.

Breeding generally occurs between August and December. They construct cup-shaped nests made of grass, bark, and other plant materials. The nests are often placed in forks of branches or suspended from horizontal twigs. The female lays 2 to 4 eggs, which are incubated by both parents.

Like many bird species it may face localized threats due to habitat loss, degradation, and predation by introduced species.