Bird Guide

Australian Rufous Fantail vs White-spotted Fantail

Australian Rufous Fantail (Rhipidura rufifrons)

Australian Rufous Fantail

Rhipidura rufifrons

Tiny10 gShrubland

Adults are medium-sized birds, generally ranging from 14.5 cm – 18.5 cm in length, averaging at around 15 cm; their wingspan is between 18 cm – 22.5 cm, averaging at around 21 cm. They weigh roughly 10 grams. The male and female of the species look identical. However, females are generally smaller than the males. The forehead is a richly reddish-brown colour across the eyes. The eyes have a white arc just below them. The top of the head, back of the neck and the upper back, transition from an olive to reddish-brown colour, which then blends into a blackish-brown, long, fan-shaped tail. Voice: These have been not well characterised in the Australian rufous fantail. Nevertheless, it has been observed to create several different types of sounds such as chips, buzzes, and scolds. Their "chip call" is often what first attracts an observer's attention. This call is high pitched, with two chip noises given in quick succession.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Luke Quinane · CC BY 4.0
White-spotted Fantail (Rhipidura albogularis)

White-spotted Fantail

Rhipidura albogularis

Tiny13 gForest

The adult white-spotted fantail is about 19 cm (7.5 in) long. It has a dark fan-shaped tail, edged in white, and white supercilium and throat. Birds are mainly slate grey above, with a black eye mask, and a white throat and eyebrow. It has whitish underparts, and a grey breast band that is spotted white.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Dominic Best · CC0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Australian Rufous Fantail and White-spotted Fantail.