You are looking at a very widely-distributed , small, insectivorous bird.
His or her feathers are not wet, so the bird appears to be a deal bigger/meatier than it really is.
Rhipidura albiscapa – the grey fantail – is very easy to see, across most of non-arid Australia.
I photographed the pictured individual at 5.47 pm on 11 February 2025, near Youngs Siding.
Grey fantails are neither rare nor shy.
They are almost constantly in motion, usually with tail fanned.
Both sexes look much the same.
Grey fantails are less feisty than willie wagtails, but are similarly inquisitive.
They look a little smaller than willie wagtails, but weigh much less; an average-sized grey fantail weighs just 9 grams – half as much as an average Willie wagtail.
To transform the appearance of any small Australian bird, simply add water! (as this series’ next chapter will illustrate)
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