The Population Trends and Distribution of White Browed Fantail (Rhipidura aureola) in Sri Lanka

Abstract

White Browed Fantail (WBF) is a small bird with a characteristic fan like tail. They inhabit both wet and dry zones of Sri Lanka covering coastal and inland regions. However, there are no studies related to its distribution within the island. Therefore, our study was aimed at its distribution in Sri Lanka along with its seasonal variation and specific behavioral patterns in Kirala Kele Sanctuary. We extracted 5403 occurrence records of WBF from eBird from 1975 to 2020 and plotted distribution maps. To study the seasonal variation of the bird, 336 field visits were conducted from 2018 January to 2021 July in Kirala Kele sanctuary (5.9790 N, 80.5130 E). The occurrence records show, the bird gradually spread within the island over the past 45 years. They were less abundant in the Northern and Eastern parts of the country. The occurrence records (n=88) revealed that WBF inhabited the Kirala Kele sanctuary throughout the year except for December. They use Kirala kele as a breeding and feeding ground. At present, their temporal variations show they appear in higher abundance for longer periods of the year in Kirala Kele. They show mixed flock foraging with Oriental Magpie Robin, White-bellied Drongo, Yellow-billed Babbler, and Common Tailorbird. In addition to flying insects, they highly prefer ants.