The Fiji shrikebill is a songbird species in the family Monarchidae. It is found in American Samoa, Fiji, and Tonga. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Southwest Pacific
Typical Environment
Occurs across many islands in Fiji, Tonga, and American Samoa, primarily in subtropical and tropical moist lowland and foothill forests. It frequents dense understory, vine tangles, and forest edges, and can use secondary growth where cover is adequate. On some islands it also forages in mangroves and wooded stream corridors. It generally avoids heavily urbanized or open agricultural areas but may persist in mixed agroforestry mosaics if understory remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This monarch flycatcher has a distinctive laterally compressed, slightly hooked bill used to pry insects from dead leaves and bark. It is shy and often keeps to dense understory, making it easier to hear than see. Several island subspecies show plumage and size variation, and while the species is generally secure, some local populations are affected by habitat loss and invasive predators.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes with dependent young in small family groups. Pairs defend territories and build neat cup nests in low to mid-level vegetation. Both sexes likely participate in parental care, with inconspicuous behavior near the nest to avoid detection.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear whistles interspersed with harsher, rasping notes. Calls include sharp ticks and scolds delivered from within cover, often betraying the bird’s presence before it is seen.
