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IUCN status: Least ConcernMalaysian Pied-Fantail at a glance
The Malaysian Pied-Fantail (Rhipidura javanica) is a bird in the family Rhipiduridae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sumatra. Diet: insect-eater (insectivore); a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).
| Scientific name | Rhipidura javanica |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Kipasan belang |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Rhipiduridae |
| Observation records | Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sumatra |
| Taxonomic group | Passeriformes |
| GBIF records | 6,246 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · Regulation P.106/2018 · annex no. 623 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — insect-eater (insectivore) · AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt |
In this guide (12)
What is the Malaysian Pied-Fantail?
Malaysian Pied-Fantail refers to Rhipidura javanica, in the genus Rhipidura, family Rhipiduridae, and order Passeriformes. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.
What is known about the Malaysian Pied-Fantail?
The Malaysian pied-fantail is a rhipidurid; a fanned tail and black-and-white pattern aid identification around forest edges and gardens.
Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.
Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗
How many Indonesian records name the Malaysian Pied-Fantail?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 6,246 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sumatra. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
How can you observe the Malaysian Pied-Fantail?
Record the date, broad location, voice and visible plumage without approaching nests or young. A clear, distant photograph is more useful than disturbing a bird for a closer view. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.
Explore related animals
To explore this group further, compare Malaysian Pied-Fantail with Northern Fantail, Willie Wagtail, Black-naped Oriole. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
Scientific classification of the Malaysian Pied-Fantail
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Rhipiduridae |
| Genus | Rhipidura |
| Species | Rhipidura javanica |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Malaysian Pied-Fantail
What is the scientific name of the Malaysian Pied-Fantail?
The scientific name of the Malaysian Pied-Fantail is Rhipidura javanica, in the family Rhipiduridae and the order Passeriformes. In Indonesian it is called Kipasan belang.
What kind of animal is the Malaysian Pied-Fantail?
The Malaysian Pied-Fantail is a bird in the family Rhipiduridae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a insect-eater (insectivore).
Where does the Malaysian Pied-Fantail live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Malaysian Pied-Fantail summarised in this guide mainly come from Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sumatra. That list is not a complete range map.
What does the Malaysian Pied-Fantail eat?
The Malaysian Pied-Fantail is a insect-eater (insectivore). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022).
How does the Malaysian Pied-Fantail reproduce?
The Malaysian Pied-Fantail reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Vigie-Nature École (MNHN).
Is the Malaysian Pied-Fantail nocturnal?
The cited source records the Malaysian Pied-Fantail as diurnal (active by day). Source: EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the Malaysian Pied-Fantail?
Scientific classification of the Malaysian Pied-Fantail: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Passeriformes, family Rhipiduridae, genus Rhipidura, species Rhipidura javanica.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Malaysian Pied-Fantail endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Malaysian Pied-Fantail is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from national legal protection. Is the Malaysian Pied-Fantail protected in Indonesia?
Is the Malaysian Pied-Fantail protected in Indonesia?
Yes. The Malaysian Pied-Fantail (Rhipidura javanica) is a protected species in Indonesia under Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species (annex, entry 623).
Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests.
If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the local BKSDA office.
Can the Malaysian Pied-Fantail be kept as a pet?
No. Because the Malaysian Pied-Fantail is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited.
If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the local BKSDA office.
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- Peraturan Menteri LHK Nomor P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi ↗
- AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022) ↗
- Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) ↗
- EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Malaysian Pied-Fantail (Rhipidura javanica). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/rhipidura-javanica/