The Chuuk flycatcher, formerly sometimes known as the oceanic flycatcher, is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae. It is endemic to Micronesia and can be found on the Caroline Islands. The diversity of traits in the Oceanic flycatchers resulted from three waves of colonization in non-overlapping times, which led to situ specification events on Micronesian islands.
Region
Caroline Islands, Micronesia
Typical Environment
Occurs on the main high islands and islets of Chuuk Lagoon, using native forest, secondary woodland, and coastal thickets. It tolerates disturbed habitats and is often seen around village groves, coconut plantations, and forest edges. Mangroves and mixed shrublands along shorelines are also used for foraging. Dense interior forest remains important for nesting sites and cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 450 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also referred to historically within the Oceanic flycatcher complex, the Chuuk flycatcher is part of a group that diversified across Micronesia following multiple colonization waves. It is confined to Chuuk State in the Caroline Islands and remains a common sallying insect-hunter in forest edges and secondary growth. Island populations in this group illustrate classic rapid speciation on isolated archipelagos.
Temperament
alert and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories in suitable forest and edge habitats. Pairs are monogamous, building a small cup nest in a forked branch. Both sexes participate in nesting duties and attend fledglings together.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, thin whistles and soft chipping notes delivered from a perch. Calls are repeated in short sequences, often interspersed with sharp ticks during foraging.
Plumage
Compact flycatcher with smooth, glossy upperparts and cleanly contrasting underparts; sexes differ. Males show darker bluish-black to slate upperparts with a crisp whitish throat and belly, while females are warmer brown above with buffy to pale underparts.
Diet
Primarily hunts small flying and foliage-dwelling insects such as flies, moths, beetles, and termites. Captures prey by sallying from open perches, returning to the same or nearby perch. Will also glean from leaves and twigs and occasionally snatch prey mid-air. Small fruits may be taken opportunistically but are a minor component.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, in secondary woodland, and among coastal thickets and mangroves. Frequently uses exposed perches like dead branches, utility lines, or the edges of canopy gaps to launch sallies.
