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.
Description 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.: photos, description, range map
Distribution and habitat The Samoan fantail is described as common and widespread on Upolu Island and has a limited distribution on the island of Savaiʻi.del Hoyo, J.; Elliott, A.; Christie, D. 2006. Handbook of the Birds of the World, vol. 11: Old World Flycatchers to Old World Warblers. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona, Spain. (cit. by )
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.
Taxonomy
According to IOC there are 2 recognised subspecies.Gill F., Donsker D. & Rasmussen P. (Eds.): Orioles, drongos, fantails. IOC World Bird List (v11.2). doi:10.14344/IOC.ML.11.2 In alphabetical order, these are: R. n. altera Mayr, 1931 R. n. nebulosa Peale, 1849
Samoan fantail (R. nebulosa) forms a superspecies with: Brown fantail (R. drownei) Makira fantail (R. tenebrosa) Rennell fantail (R. rennelliana) Streaked fantail (R. verreauxi) Kadavu fantail (R. personata)
References