White-spotted Fantail

Overview

The white-spotted fantail, also known as the spot-breasted fantail, is a small passerine bird belonging to the genus Rhipidura. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the white-throated fantail but is now recognised as a distinct species.

Identification

• Approximately 19 cm (7.5 in) in length with slate grey upperparts and whitish underparts.
• Distinctive white throat and supercilium, accompanied by a black eye mask.
• A grey breast band featuring white spots and a dark fan-shaped tail edged in white.
• The male produces a loud, fixed pattern of musical notes divided into two stanzas, which is a valuable tool for detection.

Habitat

Found in forest, scrub, and cultivation across southern and central India. The species is categorised as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Diet

This insectivorous bird forages by moving through the undergrowth, where it often fans its tail while searching for food.

Did you know?

The male's song exhibits progressive small changes year after year, resulting in a sound that becomes very different after four to five years.