Grey Fantail look-alikes
Rhipidura fuliginosa
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Grey Fantail. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Rufous Fantail
Rhipidura rufifrons
Key differences
The Rufous Fantail has richer rufous underparts, particularly on the breast, a prominent rufous rump, and a darker throat with a small white spot (not a broad white throat). It also has a more prominent white forehead. The Grey Fantail is overall greyer with a white throat and rufous-buff belly.
Willie Wagtail
Rhipidura leucophrys
Key differences
The Willie Wagtail is larger and entirely black and white, lacking any grey or rufous. It has a prominent white supercilium and a black breast band. Its tail wagging is side-to-side and up-and-down, but its overall structure and plumage are distinctly different.
Black-faced Fantail
Rhipidura tenebrosa
Key differences
Found only in the Solomon Islands. It is much darker, almost entirely sooty brown to black, with less prominent white on the tail and no white throat or supercilium. Its habitat is typically dense forest.
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