Australian rufous fantail

Australian rufous fantail
Adult
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Rhipiduridae
Genus: Rhipidura
Species:
R. rufifrons
Binomial name
Rhipidura rufifrons
(Latham, 1801)

The Australian rufous fantail (Rhipidura rufifrons) is a small passerine bird,[2] most commonly known also as the black-breasted rufous-fantail or rufous-fronted fantail, which can be found in Australia.

Characteristic of species that have a large range, the Australian rufous fantail has many subspecies. However the taxonomic treatment of its subspecies and other relatives is still debated.[3] The Australian rufous fantail is easily distinguished by their orange-reddish-brown back, rump and base of tail.[4] They have a black and white breast that grades into a white colour on the chin and throat.

They are migratory, travelling to south-eastern Australia in the spring to breed,[5] and then north in the autumn.[6]

The Australian rufous fantail tends to feed on small insects in the lower parts of the canopy. They are very active birds making short, frequent flights. They may also hop between foliage or on the ground, during foraging.[4]

Although their population is thought to be declining, their relatively large range and abundance make them a species of least concern according to the IUCN.[1]

  1. ^ a b BirdLife International (2017). "Rhipidura rufifrons". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T103710458A112343271. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-1.RLTS.T103710458A112343271.en. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Craig R.J. was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference systematics was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference hanzab161 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference Hindwood. was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Campbell, Bruce; Lack, Elizabeth (1985). A Dictionary of Birds. Harrell Books. p. 206. ISBN 978-0931130120. Retrieved 17 March 2012.