The Biak black flycatcher or Biak flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae. It is endemic to Biak, Indonesia.
Region
Biak–Numfor Islands, Cenderawasih Bay
Typical Environment
The Biak black flycatcher is confined to Biak and nearby islets in Cenderawasih Bay off northern New Guinea. It favors primary and well-developed secondary lowland rainforest, as well as forest edges and semi-open woodland with tall trees. Birds often forage in the midstory and lower canopy, using shaded perches to sally for flying insects. It can persist in selectively logged forest if sufficient canopy structure remains, but it declines in heavily degraded habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the Biak monarch, this island endemic is confined to Biak (Papua, Indonesia) and nearby islets. It inhabits lowland rainforest and edges, where it hawks insects from shaded perches. The species has sometimes been placed in the genus Monarcha but is now widely treated under Symposiachrus. Its restricted range makes it vulnerable to habitat loss from logging and land conversion.
Temperament
shy and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches within the forest
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, occasionally joining mixed-species foraging flocks. Pairs maintain small territories and communicate with soft calls. The nest is a small cup bound with spider silk and placed on a horizontal branch; both adults share incubation and chick-rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin series of whistles and high, sibilant notes delivered from a shaded perch. Calls include sharp chips and soft rattles, often repeated in short sequences.
