The celestial monarch is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae, and one of the most attractive of all the monarch flycatchers. It is identified as a turquoise blue bird with a long and spectacular cerulean blue crest and large greenish-yellow wattle. It is endemic to the Philippines with its extant range being in Luzon, Samar, Mindanao Tawi-Tawi and Basilan and it being possibly extinct on Negros and Sibuyan Island.Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forests up to 750 masl. There is an unverified report of this bird in 2024 in Leyte. It is one of the most sought after birds by birdwatchers in the Philippines and in the world.
Region
Philippine Archipelago
Typical Environment
Endemic to the Philippines, with extant strongholds on Luzon, Samar, Mindanao, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi; it may be extirpated on Negros and Sibuyan. It occupies primary and mature secondary tropical moist lowland forest, especially in well-shaded interiors and along forest streams. The species is patchy and local, occurring where continuous canopy and midstory strata persist. Reports from some islands (e.g., Leyte) remain unverified and require confirmation through targeted surveys.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 750 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A striking monarch flycatcher, the celestial monarch is famed for the male’s long cerulean crest and greenish-yellow facial wattles. It is a canopy and midstory insect-hunter that favors intact lowland rainforest, making it highly sensitive to deforestation. Sightings are now scattered and localized, and it is among the most sought-after targets for birdwatchers visiting the Philippines. Conservation relies on protecting remaining lowland forest tracts.
Male seen in Bislig, Surigao del Sur. Photo by Adri Constantino of Birding Philippines.
Temperament
secretive but active within forest interiors
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies
Social Behavior
Typically found singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and it sometimes joins mixed-species flocks in the midstory. It is presumed socially monogamous, with a compact cup nest placed on forks or horizontal branches. Both sexes likely participate in nest defense and provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of sweet, high-pitched whistles and clear, thin phrases delivered at intervals from shaded perches. Calls include sharp chips and soft scolds when agitated or during mixed-flock travel.
