The black-throated shrikebill or black-faced shrikebill is a songbird species in the family Monarchidae.
Region
Melanesia (Southwest Pacific islands)
Typical Environment
Occurs on a small number of forested oceanic islands, where it inhabits primary and mature secondary lowland and foothill rainforests. It favors dense understory and tangled vine thickets, often near fallen logs, dead limbs, and rotting wood where invertebrates are abundant. Edges and heavily disturbed areas are generally avoided. The species’ range is patchy and localized, reflecting its dependence on intact forest structure.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This elusive monarch flycatcher uses its heavy, laterally compressed bill to pry and lever insects from bark, dead wood, and curled leaves. It forages quietly in dense understory, so it is more often heard than seen. The species is highly sensitive to forest degradation and is threatened by logging and severe storms in its limited island range.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense understory
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories within mature forest. Pairs likely remain together for extended periods and defend nesting areas. The nest is a neat, shallow cup suspended in a fork, built from fine fibers, rootlets, and spider silk.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, whistled notes interspersed with harsher, creaking phrases. Calls include sharp chips and dry rattles given while foraging. Vocalizations carry poorly in dense habitat, adding to the species’ inconspicuous nature.
Plumage
Stocky monarch with a deep, laterally compressed bill; males show a dark mask and throat contrasting with olive-brown upperparts and warmer buff underparts. Females are duller with a paler throat and less extensive facial mask. Feathers are plain with minimal patterning, aiding camouflage in shaded foliage.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects and other arthropods, including beetles, larvae, spiders, and wood-boring grubs. Uses its robust bill to pry bark, probe dead wood, and flick curled leaves to expose hidden prey. Occasionally snaps up insects in short sallies but relies mostly on gleaning and prying.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded understory and midstory of mature rainforest, especially where dead branches, vine tangles, and epiphytes are common. Often searches along fallen logs, suspended dead limbs, and dense vine clusters.
