The chestnut-bellied monarch or chestnut-bellied monarch-flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae. It is endemic to the Solomon Islands.
Region
Melanesia (Southwest Pacific)
Typical Environment
Occurs across several islands in the Solomon Islands archipelago, inhabiting humid lowland and lower montane forests. It uses primary forest, edges, and older secondary growth, often near stream corridors and gaps with dense foliage. The species forages mostly in the shaded understory to mid-canopy, perching and sallying to catch prey. It tolerates some habitat disturbance but is less common in heavily degraded or open areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The chestnut-bellied monarch is a flycatcher of the Solomon Islands’ forests, where it actively hunts insects in the shaded midstory. It often forages in pairs and may join mixed-species flocks. Its rich chestnut underparts make it one of the more distinctive monarchs in the region. The species adapts reasonably well to secondary growth, which helps it persist where forests have been selectively logged.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories within forest. Pairs may join mixed-species flocks while foraging but remain cohesive. Nests are typically small cups placed on horizontal forks or slender branches, and both sexes participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, thin whistles delivered from a shaded perch, often repeated in short phrases. Calls include sharp chips and soft scolding notes during foraging or when alarmed.
Plumage
Contrasting plumage with dark upperparts and a rich chestnut belly and lower breast; throat and chest transition from darker tones to warm rufous-chestnut underparts. Feathers are smooth and slightly glossy above, with cleaner, warmer tones below. Females and immatures tend to be browner above with paler rufous underparts.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects such as flies, moths, beetles, and their larvae, along with spiders. It hawks prey from a perch and also gleans from leaves and branches. Occasionally pursues prey in short, agile flights through the understory and mid-canopy.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded understory to mid-levels of humid forest, along edges, and in older secondary growth. Often uses vine tangles, saplings, and the outer foliage of midstory trees where insect activity is high.
