Bougainville fantail facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bougainville fantail |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Rhipidura
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| Species: |
drownei
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The Bougainville fantail (Rhipidura drownei) is a small, active bird. It belongs to the fantail family, called Rhipiduridae. This special bird lives only on Bougainville Island. Bougainville is part of the Solomon Islands. People used to call it the brown fantail. It was once thought to be the same species as the Guadalcanal fantail.
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What Does the Bougainville Fantail Look Like?
The Bougainville fantail is a small, dark bird. It is about 9 to 14 centimeters (3.5 to 5.5 inches) long. It has a long tail that it often spreads out like a fan.
Colors and Markings
The main color of its feathers is brown. This is why it used to be called the brown fantail. Its upper body is grayish-brown. The underside is a bit lighter, gray with a hint of yellow. It might also have a faint white stripe.
Its wings are brown on top, and its tail is light brown. The bird's chest and head are grayish. Above its eye, it has a white stripe that looks like an "eyebrow." Sometimes, there is also a light stripe under its eye.
Eyes, Beak, and Legs
The bird's eye is dark brown. Its beak is black or grayish-brown. The bottom part of the beak is often lighter. Its neck is whitish-gray, and its legs are brownish-gray.
Differences Between Birds
Male and female Bougainville fantails look quite similar. However, females are usually a little smaller than males. Young birds, called juveniles, also look like adults. But their feathers are not as bright. They do not have the white markings on their head and throat. The reddish-brown color on their wings and tail is also lighter.
What Does It Sound Like?
The Bougainville fantail makes a weak but clear ringing whistle sound.
Where Does the Bougainville Fantail Live?
The Bougainville fantail lives in mountain forests. It prefers areas that are high up. You can usually find it at altitudes of more than 700 meters (about 2,300 feet). Adult birds are often seen above 900 meters (about 3,000 feet). They can live as high as 1,600 meters (about 5,200 feet) above sea level.
How Does the Bougainville Fantail Behave?
Fantails are active birds that are always looking for food.
What Does It Eat?
The Bougainville fantail eats insects. It hunts for them at all levels of the forest. It catches insects while flying. It also looks for them among the leaves. Sometimes, it joins groups of different bird species to find food together.
How Does It Build Its Nest?
The Bougainville fantail builds a small, cup-shaped nest. The nest has a very small "tail" hanging from it. The whole nest is woven together with spiderwebs. It is usually built about 2 meters (about 6.5 feet) above the ground. The nest is placed in the fork of a horizontal tree branch.
