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.
Samoan fantail | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Aves |
Order: | Passeriformes |
Family: | Rhipiduridae |
Genus: | Rhipidura |
Species: | R. nebulosa
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Binomial name | |
Rhipidura nebulosa Peale, 1849
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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]
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]
According to IOC there are 2 recognised subspecies.[4] In alphabetical order, these are:
Samoan fantail (R. nebulosa) forms a superspecies with:[5]