Blue-headed Fantail

Overview

The blue-headed fantail (Rhipidura cyaniceps) is a fantail endemic to the northern Philippines, specifically found on the islands of Luzon and Catanduanes. Until recently, it was considered conspecific with the Tablas fantail and Visayan fantail, but molecular studies have differentiated it as a distinct species.

Identification

• Distinguished by a solid blue chest without shaft streaks and a brown belly.
• Differentiated from similar species through molecular studies and specific vocalisations.

Habitat

The species inhabits tropical moist lowland and montane forests up to 2,000 meters above sea level, including lowland Dipterocarpus forests and montane pine, oak, and laurel forests. Its range covers Northwest Luzon to the Bicol Peninsula and Catanduanes, and it is currently listed as Least Concern due to its stable population and adaptability.

Diet

It forages for insects in the understory and frequently joins mixed-species flocks containing birds such as the Golden-crowned babbler, Lemon-throated leaf warbler, and Turquoise flycatcher. Breeding is believed to occur from February to May, in line with most other Philippine forest birds.

Did you know?

The two recognized subspecies, R. c. cyaniceps and R. c. pinicola, are so poorly differentiated that they may possibly be invalid, requiring further study to confirm their status.