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IUCN status: Least ConcernWillie Wagtail at a glance
The Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys) is a bird in the family Rhipiduridae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Papua, Maluku, West Papua. Diet: insect-eater (insectivore); a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.
| Scientific name | Rhipidura leucophrys |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Kipasan kebun |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Rhipiduridae |
| Observation records | Papua, Maluku, West Papua |
| Taxonomic group | Passeriformes |
| GBIF records | 6,434 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — insect-eater (insectivore) · BirdLife Australia — Birds in Backyards |
| 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 Willie Wagtail?
Willie Wagtail refers to Rhipidura leucophrys, 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 Willie Wagtail?
The willie wagtail actively flicks its tail while foraging; locality matters across its Australian, New Guinean and eastern Indonesian range.
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 Willie Wagtail?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 6,434 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 Papua, Maluku, West Papua. 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 Willie Wagtail?
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 Willie Wagtail with Malaysian Pied-Fantail, Northern Fantail, 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 Willie Wagtail
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Rhipiduridae |
| Genus | Rhipidura |
| Species | Rhipidura leucophrys |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Willie Wagtail
What is the scientific name of the Willie Wagtail?
The scientific name of the Willie Wagtail is Rhipidura leucophrys, in the family Rhipiduridae and the order Passeriformes. In Indonesian it is called Kipasan kebun.
What kind of animal is the Willie Wagtail?
The Willie Wagtail is a bird in the family Rhipiduridae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a insect-eater (insectivore).
Where does the Willie Wagtail live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Willie Wagtail summarised in this guide mainly come from Papua, Maluku, West Papua. That list is not a complete range map.
What does the Willie Wagtail eat?
The Willie Wagtail is a insect-eater (insectivore). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: BirdLife Australia — Birds in Backyards.
How does the Willie Wagtail reproduce?
The Willie Wagtail reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Vigie-Nature École (MNHN).
Is the Willie Wagtail nocturnal?
The cited source records the Willie Wagtail 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 Willie Wagtail?
Scientific classification of the Willie Wagtail: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Passeriformes, family Rhipiduridae, genus Rhipidura, species Rhipidura leucophrys.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Willie Wagtail endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Willie Wagtail 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 legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Willie Wagtail is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation 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 ↗
- BirdLife Australia — Birds in Backyards ↗
- 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. Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/rhipidura-leucophrys/