The Malaita monarch is a species of passerine bird in the monarch flycatcher family Monarchidae. It is endemic to the island of Malaita in the Solomon Islands archipelago. It was formerly treated as conspecific with the Solomons monarch.
Region
Solomon Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout suitable forest on Malaita, especially in lowland and foothill tropical moist forests. It prefers primary forest but also uses well-developed secondary forest, riparian corridors, and forest edges. Birds typically occupy shaded understory to mid-canopy strata with dense foliage and scattered vines. It avoids open agricultural land and heavily degraded habitats but may persist along wooded ravines and near small clearings.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Malaita monarch is a forest-dwelling monarch flycatcher found only on Malaita in the Solomon Islands. It was formerly treated as conspecific with the Solomons monarch but is now recognized as a distinct species based on plumage and vocal differences. It forages by sallying and gleaning for insects in the understory and mid-story and is sensitive to extensive forest loss, though it may use secondary growth edges.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Usually observed as single birds or pairs maintaining territories year-round. Pairs construct a small cup nest from fibers and moss, typically placed on a horizontal branch or fork. Both sexes likely participate in parental care, and territories are defended with chases and vocal displays.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, whistled notes delivered at measured intervals, often repeated in short phrases. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes used during foraging and pair communication.
