fantail

n.

bird-name applied in England to apigeon; in Australia and New Zealand, to the little birds ofthe genus Rhipidura (q.v.). It is a fly-catcher. TheAustralian species are – – Rhipidura albiscapa, Gould.

Black-and-White Fantail (called also the Wagtail, q.v.) – – R. tricolor, Vieill.

♣ Dusky F. – – R. diemenensis, Sharpe.

♣ Northern F. – – R. setosa, Quoy and Gaim.

♣ Pheasant F. – – Rhipidura phasiana, De Vis.

♣ Rufous F. – – R. rufifrons, Lath.

♣ Western F. – – R. preissi, Cab.

♣ White-tailed F. – – R. albicauda, North.

♣ Wood F. – – R. dryas, Gould.

The New Zealand species are – – Black F. – – Rhipidura fuliginosa, Sparrm. (Tiwaiwaka).

♣ Pied F. – – R. flabellifera, Gmel. (Piwakawaka).

In Tasmania, the R. diemenensis is calledthe Cranky Fantail, because of its antics.

1847. L. Leichhardt, `Journal,' vol. ii. p. 80:

«We also observed the . . . fantailed fly-catcher( Rhipidura).»

1888. W. L. Buller, `Birds of New Zealand,' vol. i. p. 69:

«The Red Fantail, ever flitting about with broadly expandedtail, and performing all manner of fantastic evolutions,in its diligent pursuit of gnats and flies, is one of the mostpleasing and attractive objects in the New Zealand forest. Itis very tame and familiar.»