The golden monarch is a species of passerine bird in the family Monarchidae found in New Guinea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. The golden monarch displays marked sexual dimorphism, the male a striking golden colour with black mask, wings and tail, the female a golden or golden-olive colour. Both bear a characteristic 'teardrop' white pattern below the eye.
Region
Melanesia
Typical Environment
The golden monarch inhabits lowland and foothill rainforests across New Guinea and nearby islands. It prefers primary and mature secondary forest, using edges, riverine corridors, and forest gaps. Birds typically forage in the shaded midstory but also sally into the canopy, especially along sunlit edges. It adapts moderately well to selectively logged forest, provided a closed canopy remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking monarch flycatcher is endemic to New Guinea’s humid forests and shows strong sexual dimorphism. Males are bright golden with a bold black mask, wings, and tail, while females are more olive-golden; both have a distinctive white teardrop mark beneath the eye. It forages actively in the midstory and canopy, often joining mixed-species flocks. Cup-shaped nests are placed on slender branches, and both parents tend the young.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or family groups, and often joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Pairs defend small territories during breeding. The nest is a neat cup suspended from a forked twig, with both sexes incubating and feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of high, thin whistles and sharp chips delivered from midstory perches. Calls can accelerate into short trills during territorial or contact interactions.
