The black-winged monarch is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae. It is found in Australia and on New Guinea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Australasia (New Guinea and Cape York Peninsula, Australia)
Typical Environment
This species inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland and hill forests, extending into lower montane forest. It uses primary rainforest and well-developed secondary growth, and will forage along forest edges, river corridors, and in tall gallery woodlands. Birds typically work the mid-story to canopy, moving methodically through foliage and making short sallies after airborne insects. It is most frequently encountered in humid forest zones with intact canopy structure.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A member of the monarch flycatchers, the black-winged monarch is an agile mid-canopy hunter that often joins mixed-species flocks in rainforest. It occurs across New Guinea and reaches Australia on Cape York Peninsula. Its cup-shaped nest is delicately placed on a small forked branch, and both parents typically help with care. The species is generally quiet but gives clear, piping notes that carry through the forest.
Naturalis Biodiversity Center specimen
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, it often associates with mixed-species foraging flocks in forest mid-story. Breeding pairs build a small, neat cup nest on a horizontal or forked branch. Both sexes are thought to share incubation and chick-feeding duties. Territories are defended during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Gives clear, piping whistles and soft, clipped notes delivered at intervals from mid-canopy perches. Contact calls are sharper chips, with agitated scolding when disturbed.
Plumage
Slaty-grey head and upperparts with contrasting black wings and tail, and clean whitish to pale grey underparts. Subtle pale edging on the wing can form a faint panel in some birds. Feathers are smooth and sleek, suited to agile flight in dense foliage.
Diet
Primarily hunts small flying and foliage-dwelling insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and caterpillars; also takes spiders. It employs sallying flights from perches and gleaning from leaves and slender branches. Prey is typically captured in quick, precise bursts and consumed on the wing or at a nearby perch.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid-story to canopy of humid lowland and hill forests, especially along edges, gaps, and stream corridors where insects are concentrated. It will also use mature secondary growth and well-vegetated forest margins.
