Grey Faintail, photography by JJ Harrison

Nimbin Rainbow Walk

Grey Fantail

(Bundjalung name)

Rhipidura albiscapa

Songs & Calls

Listen to the call of the grey fantail

Local Notes

The Grey Fantail has many endearing qualities for me – its energetic and acrobatic flight as it pursues insects in the air, its sweet, animated, silvery song – but especially its sociability, often approaching and perching within arm’s length for a chat, not only at home in the garden but also in remote wild places. A most welcome companion indeed!

by Tony Gibson

The Grey Fantail is most easily recognised by its constantly fanned tail and agile aerial twists and turns. Both sexes are similar in appearance: grey above, with white eyebrow, throat and tail edges. This species is quite inquisitive and will closely approach an observer.

Similar species include Willie Wagtail and Rufous Fantail.