Arafura Fantail
Rhipidura dryas
Small songbird with long, pale-tipped tail, slim bill. Grayish brown above, pale below, with striking red-brown rump and white throat with black border, speckled at lower edge. Frequently cocks and fans tail. Actively forages near the ground in wetter areas with dense vegetation, including mangroves. Song is a short, descending series of high-pitched squeaks. Calls include a metallic “pink!” Previously considered the same species as the now-split “Rufous Fantail.”
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Rhipidura dryas
- Authority
- Gould, 1843
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Rhipiduridae
- Genus
- Rhipidura
Range and habitat
The species is typically found in mangroves and other coastal woodland, alongside primary and secondary low-level forest. The species tolerates a wide altitudinal range, from near sea level to around 2000 metres in the Timor part of its range.
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Pileated Woodpecker
Dryocopus pileatus
Large, unmistakable woodpecker. Mostly black, with red crest and bold white stripes on head and neck. Flies with deep, rowing wingbeats, almost like a crow but more irregular; also look for mostly white underwings and white patches on upperwing. Pairs inhabit mature deciduous or coniferous forests with large trees. Makes large oval-shaped holes in decaying trees to search for insects. Listen for slow resonant drumming and loud clucking calls. Occasionally visits feeders in appropriate habitat, especially fond of suet.
Mexican Sheartail
Doricha eliza
Only in Mexico. Fairly common small hummingbird of dry coastal scrub in northern Yucatan Peninsula; also very local in dry scrub of central Veracruz. Favors fairly open areas with low scrubby bushes and agave plants. Note the long and slightly arched bill and the long tail, which is usually held closed in a single point. Striking male is distinctive if you are lucky enough to see one. Females and immatures have a distinctive dusky cheek stripe, and usually outnumber adult males by at least 5 to 1.
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