The Makira flycatcher 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.
Region
Southwest Pacific
Typical Environment
Occurs on the island of Makira and nearby islets in the Solomon Islands, primarily in intact and semi-intact lowland rainforest. It favors tall, humid forest with a layered canopy and dense understory, and also uses mature secondary growth and forest edges. It typically forages in the midstory to subcanopy, where it has access to perches and open gaps for aerial sallies.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Makira flycatcher is an island monarch flycatcher restricted to Makira (San Cristóbal) in the Solomon Islands. It hunts by sallying from shaded perches to snatch insects in midair or off foliage. The species is sensitive to forest clearing and degradation, which reduces suitable foraging and nesting sites.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick, agile sallies
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories within forest. Breeding pairs nest in trees or saplings, placing a small cup nest on a forked branch. They may join mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season but generally remain unobtrusive.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, whistled phrases interspersed with sharp chip notes. Calls are used frequently while foraging, with simple, repeated motifs that carry through the forest understory.
Plumage
Compact flycatcher with a broad, flat-based bill; sexes likely differ subtly. The tail shows warm rufous tones contrasting with darker upperparts, and underparts are paler. Feathers appear smooth and close-fitted, aiding rapid maneuvering.
Diet
Primarily feeds on flying and foliage-dwelling insects such as flies, beetles, and moths. It employs perch-and-sally tactics, darting out to catch prey in midair, and also gleans arthropods from leaves and branches. Small spiders and other invertebrates are also taken.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded midstory and subcanopy layers of primary and mature secondary forest. Often hunts along forest edges, light gaps, and above streams where insect activity is concentrated.
