The Fatu Hiva monarch is a large flycatcher in the family Monarchidae. It is endemic to Fatu Hiva in the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia. It lives in the native dense forest at elevations up to 2300 feet. Adults are a glossy purplish-black with plush-like feathers on their foreheads and grow to around 7 ½ inches.
Region
Marquesas Islands
Typical Environment
Restricted to native, humid forests on Fatu Hiva, often in steep valleys and along ridgelines with dense canopy. It uses midstory to subcanopy perches for foraging and avoids heavily degraded habitats and coconut plantations. The species is now confined to a few strongholds where predator control is active. Nesting occurs in well-vegetated areas with abundant native trees and lianas to provide cover and nest sites.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This critically endangered monarch flycatcher survives only on Fatu Hiva in the Marquesas. It favors intact native forest and is highly vulnerable to invasive predators like rats and feral cats. Conservation actions focus on predator control and habitat protection. Adults show a velvety, purplish-black sheen with plush-like forehead feathers that can give a slightly crested look.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs that defend year-round territories. Nests are small cups placed on branches or forks in native trees. Both parents participate in care of the young, with a strong attachment to specific territories.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, whistled notes delivered from midstory perches, often repeated in simple phrases. Also gives sharp scolding calls when agitated. The song carries well through dense forest.
Plumage
Glossy purplish-black overall with a velvety, plush-like forehead and slightly shaggy crown feathers.
Diet
Primarily takes flying and foliage-dwelling insects such as flies, moths, beetles, and caterpillars; will also glean spiders. It forages by sallying from exposed perches and by short hops through the midstory. Prey is usually captured in brief, agile flights, then returned to a perch to be handled.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in native evergreen forest, especially in shady, humid valleys and along stream courses. It prefers structurally complex vegetation with many perches and foraging substrates, avoiding open edges and plantations.
