Samoan fantail

Samoan fantail
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Rhipiduridae
Genus: Rhipidura
Species:
R. nebulosa
Binomial name
Rhipidura nebulosa
Peale, 1849

The Samoan fantail (Rhipidura nebulosa) is a species of bird in the family Rhipiduridae. It is endemic to Samoa and is found in Upolu and Savaiʻi islands.

Description

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The plumage is mostly dark greyish-brown with white undertail, black tail and light (white or pale smoky) throat. White spot behind the eyes. Like other fantails, Samoan fantail often spreads its long tail like a fan. The usual sounds are a low chirp. Sometimes imitates the voices of other bird species.[2]

Distribution and habitat

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The Samoan fantail is described as common and widespread on Upolu Island and has a limited distribution on the island of Savaiʻi.[3]

Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. Prefers primary and secondary rainforests, but tolerates man-made landscapes: plantations and gardens.[2]

Taxonomy

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According to IOC there are 2 recognised subspecies.[4] In alphabetical order, these are:

  • R. n. altera Mayr, 1931
  • R. n. nebulosa Peale, 1849

Samoan fantail (R. nebulosa) forms a superspecies with:[5]

References

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  1. ^ BirdLife International (2016). "Rhipidura nebulosa". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22706878A94094907. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22706878A94094907.en. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Samoan Fantail". Ebird.: photos, description, range map
  3. ^ del Hoyo, J.; Elliott, A.; Christie, D. 2006. Handbook of the Birds of the World, vol. 11: Old World Flycatchers to Old World Warblers. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona, Spain. (cit. by BirdLife International (2016). "Rhipidura nebulosa". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22706878A94094907. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22706878A94094907.en.)
  4. ^ Gill F., Donsker D. & Rasmussen P. (Eds.): Orioles, drongos, fantails. IOC World Bird List (v11.2). doi:10.14344/IOC.ML.11.2
  5. ^ Tvardikova K. (2022). "Rhipidura drownei Gould, 1843". New Guinea Birds online. Retrieved 2022-02-24.