The Kolombangara monarch, or Brown's monarch, is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae. It is endemic to Solomon Islands. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss. It was formerly considered as conspecific with the Vella Lavella monarch.
Region
Solomon Islands (Western Province)
Typical Environment
Primarily inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland rainforest on Kolombangara and adjacent low-lying forest tracts. Uses primary forest and older secondary growth, especially areas with dense understory and midstory strata. Occurs along forest edges and riparian corridors but is less common in heavily degraded habitats. Logging roads and fragmentation reduce occupancy and nesting success.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Kolombangara monarch (also called Brown's monarch) is a forest-dwelling flycatcher of the Solomon Islands, where it is restricted to the island of Kolombangara and nearby lowland forests. It forages actively for insects in the understory and midstory, often sallying from perches. The species is threatened by ongoing habitat loss from logging and agricultural expansion. It was formerly treated as conspecific with the Vella Lavella monarch.
Temperament
active and moderately territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes accompanying mixed-species flocks in the forest. Breeding pairs defend small territories and build neat cup-shaped nests in horizontal forks. Both parents are thought to participate in incubation and chick provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers clear, thin whistles interspersed with soft chipping notes. Alarm calls are sharper and more scolding, used when intruders approach the nest.
