The azure-crested flycatcher or the blue-crested flycatcher, is a species of bird in the monarch flycatcher family Monarchidae. It is endemic to Fiji, where it is found on Taveuni.
Region
Southwest Pacific
Typical Environment
Endemic to Taveuni, Fiji, primarily in intact and lightly disturbed tropical moist forests. It uses forest edges, riparian corridors, and mature secondary growth but is most abundant in continuous native forest. The species forages from low understory to mid-canopy, often along shaded stream gullies. Habitat fragmentation and degradation can reduce local occurrence.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the blue-crested flycatcher, this monarch flycatcher is notable for the male’s vivid, erectable azure crest. It forages by sallying from shaded perches to snatch insects mid-air. Restricted to the island of Taveuni in Fiji, it is sensitive to forest loss and invasive predators. Pairs are often conspicuous by their sharp calls despite the bird’s preference for dense foliage.
Temperament
active and moderately territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent sallying flights
Social Behavior
Typically observed singly or in pairs, especially during breeding when pairs defend small territories. Builds a neat cup nest on a horizontal branch or fork, often over streams. Likely monogamous, with both parents contributing to care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, whistled notes interspersed with sharper chips and scolds. Calls carry well through forest understory and are used frequently during foraging and territorial displays.
Plumage
Male shows glossy dark upperparts with a striking, erectile azure crest and contrasting pale underparts; female is browner above with duller or reduced crest and warmer buffy tones below. Both sexes have a neat, sleek flycatcher profile with smooth plumage and slight gloss on the head. Tail is moderately long with clean edges.
Diet
Feeds mostly on flying and gleaned insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and small orthopterans. Occasionally takes spiders and other small arthropods from leaves and bark. May opportunistically snap small insect swarms along forest edges.
Preferred Environment
Forages from shaded perches in the understory to mid-canopy, often along streams and forest gaps. Uses edge habitats and light gaps for aerial sallies while retreating to denser cover between bouts.
