The Chuuk monarch, or Truk monarch, is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae. It is monotypic within the genus Metabolus. It is endemic to the islands of Chuuk in Micronesia.
Region
Micronesia (Caroline Islands)
Typical Environment
Occurs only within Chuuk State, primarily on the main high volcanic islands and numerous small islets of Chuuk Lagoon. It uses native lowland rainforest, coastal strand forest, and secondary growth, and also forages in agroforests with breadfruit and coconut. The species tolerates some disturbance but declines where forest is heavily degraded. It may also utilize mangrove edges and thickets near the coast.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Chuuk monarch, also called the Truk monarch, is the sole species in the genus Metabolus. Males are strikingly black-and-white, while females are browner and more subdued, making the pair easy to tell apart. It is confined to the islands and islets of Chuuk Lagoon in Micronesia and is threatened by habitat loss and invasive predators.
The range of the Chuuk monarch, which is endemic to Chuuk Island
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or family groups, maintaining small territories in forest and thicket. Monogamous pairs build neat cup nests placed on horizontal forks, often using plant fibers and spider silk. Both sexes participate in incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers clear, whistled phrases interspersed with sharp chacks and scolding notes. Song carries well through dense vegetation and is used frequently in territorial displays.
Plumage
Male with glossy black head and upperparts contrasting with clean white underparts; female with warm brown upperparts, paler throat, and whitish underparts with a buff wash.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other small arthropods, including beetles, flies, caterpillars, and spiders. Forages by sallying from low to mid-level perches and by gleaning from leaves and twigs. Occasionally snatches aerial prey and may take small fruits opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Forages in understory and midstory of lowland forest, forest edges, and dense secondary thickets. Also uses agroforestry mosaics such as breadfruit and coconut groves near villages, provided there is tree cover.
