Oh, hey there! You caught me in the middle of my acrobatics. Let me guess—you were drawn in by the dazzling display of my fan-shaped tail, weren’t you? It’s a bit of a showstopper, I admit, but it’s not just for looks! That constant tail-fanning you see? It’s my secret weapon for flushing out insects hiding in the foliage. Pretty clever, right? Allow me to introduce myself, Fantasmo the White-browed Fantail—small in size, big in personality! My crisp white eyebrow stripe, set against my dark grey and brownish-black plumage, is a real “eye” catcher, isn’t it? I’m guessing that that's what caught your attention? Or was it my pale grey belly and white-edged tail? No? It was the eye, haha, I was right the first time!

I’m a fan of variety when it comes to habitats. Whether it’s a dense forest, an open woodland, or even a cosy suburban garden, I can make myself right at home. Here in Sri Lanka, you’ll find me flitting about lowland and montane forests alike. I’m always on the move, hopping from branch to branch or zipping through the air in search of my next meal. Insects? They’re my speciality—flies, beetles, moths, you name it. I can catch them mid-flight with precision that would make any athlete jealous. I play a big part in keeping ecosystems balanced. Because, by munching on insects, I help control pest populations, making me a gardener’s best friend. So the next time you see me flitting through your garden, give me a nod of thanks!

This energetic little White-browed Fantail is a fairly common sight in and around the Mahoora Tented Safari Camps. Dilum captured this image just outside the camp premises, right on the border of Yala National Park.