Biology:Visayan blue fantail

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Short description: Species of bird

Visayan blue fantail
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Rhipiduridae
Genus: Rhipidura
Species:
R. samarensis
Binomial name
Rhipidura samarensis
(Steere, 1890)

The Visayan blue fantail (Rhipidura samarensis) is a species of bird in the family Rhipiduridae. It is endemic to the Philippines on the islands of Bohol, Leyte and Samar. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forests. It was previously conspecific with the Mindanao blue fantail.

Description and taxonomy

It was previous conspecific with the Mindanao blue fantail and is differentiated by its darker crown, lighter blue wing fringes and tail, a slower paced call and through molecular studies.[2]

This species is monotypic and has no subspecies.

Ecology and behavior

The diet of the Mindanao blue fantail consists of insects. It is often observed in mixed flocks with other birds such as Rufous paradise flycatcher, Black-naped monarch, Celestial monarch, Philippine leaf warbler, Short-crested monarch, Yellow-bellied whistler, Visayan babbler and Visayan pygmy babbler.[2][3]

Breeding has been recorded from February to August. Nests in low bushes. Not much else information on breeding habits.[3]

Habitat and conservation status

It is found in tropical moist lowland forest up to 1,200 meters above sea level,

IUCN has assessed this bird as least-concern species. Occurs in a few protected areas like Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape in Bohol and Samar Island Natural Park but actual protection and enforcement from illegal logging and hunting are lax.[4][5]

References

  • Sánchez-González, L.A., and R.G. Moyle. 2011. Molecular systematic and species limits in the Philippine fantails (Aves: Rhipidura). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 61: 290-299

Wikidata ☰ Q10811622 entry