GREY FANTAIL IN FRED CATERSON RESERVE

The Grey Fantail is a small insect-eating bird 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 a quiet observer.

It has a large range, being found in most treed habitats throughout Australia especially where eucalypt trees are present, and occasionally visits densely-planted urban gardens, particularly during its partial northern migration for winter. It is often present in Fred Caterson Reserve.

It feeds on flying insects, which it catches by chasing them from the edge of foliage at all levels in the canopy. As soon as insects become active in the morning, it is out there. It often calls while flying, with musical, ascending tinkling and whistles. These behaviours make it comparatively easy to find.

Did you know? The nest of the Grey Fantail is made in a thin tree-fork, of fine grass bound together with large amounts of spider web and a long tapering stem that resembles a wine-glass.

Information provided by BirdLife Southern NSW in conjunction with BirdLife Australia's Birds in Backyards Program.