Grey Fantail

Description

A small energetic songbird found throughout Australia. It eagerly wiggles its long tail, moves quickly in shrubbery, and likes to approach people.

Appearance

The male and female are similar, with a white bib and white eyebrow streak. The upper body is grey-brown, and the lower body is yellow-brown. It often locks out the long tail with white edges like a fan.

Similar birds

The rusty-rumped fantail is a close relative in Australia. It has a similar appearance but stronger reddish-brown features in its plumage.

Sounds and songs

A melodic chirp with repeated high notes.

Diet

Eats insects that it catches in the air.

Nest

It builds its nest of fine plant fibres and spider webs in a tree canopy. The base of the nest is extended into a long shaft of plant threads.

Distribution

All of Australia.

Summer  Resident  Winter