Philippine Pied Fantail

Overview

The Rhipidura nigritorquis is a medium-sized bird in the family Rhipiduridae endemic to the Philippines. It was formerly considered conspecific with the Malaysian pied fantail but is now recognised as a distinct species.

Identification

• Upper body is sooty gray, while the underbody is white with a distinct black band on the chest and a black face.
• Features a long tail that is frequently moved from side to side, displaying its white tips.
• Song consists of diverse, somewhat unmusical, and scratchy whistled phrases.
• Distinguished from the Oriental magpie-robin by its smaller size, all-black tail, and paler gray throat and breast in females.

Habitat

This species inhabits wooded areas and open spaces in lowland regions, including lowland forest, second growth, agricultural areas, scrub, beaches, and parks. It is extremely adaptable to a variety of these habitats and is found throughout its wide range in the Philippines.

Diet

The bird feeds on insects, which it catches on the wing. It often joins mixed flocks with other insectivorous birds and sometimes follows large mammals to feed on insects they disturb.

Did you know?

The species is notably aggressive towards potential predators, diving at humans, cats, and dogs when breeding. Its nest is a cup constructed from grass, roots, and fibres, lined with spider webs.