The Marquesan monarch is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae. It is endemic to French Polynesia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia
Typical Environment
The species is confined to remnant native forests on parts of the southern Marquesas, with strongholds in moist and mesic valleys and adjacent ridges. It uses a mosaic of tropical dry forest, moist lowland forest, and lower montane forest, favoring areas with intact native canopy and midstory. Birds forage from the understory to mid-canopy, often along forest edges, gullies, and stream corridors. Degraded scrub and heavily invaded habitats are generally avoided. Its current range is highly fragmented and restricted.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the Hiva Oa monarch, this flycatcher is one of several highly threatened monarchs of the Marquesas Islands. It shows strong sexual dimorphism, with glossy black males and rufous-toned females. Invasive predators (especially rats and cats) and habitat degradation are the primary threats. Intensive predator control and habitat restoration have been key conservation measures.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies
Social Behavior
Usually encountered as territorial pairs that defend small forest patches year-round. Pairs are monogamous and build cup nests in the mid-canopy. Both sexes participate in incubating and feeding the chick. Family groups may remain together briefly post-fledging before dispersing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of clear, whistled phrases interspersed with thin, high seee notes delivered from a mid-canopy perch. Calls include sharp scolds and chattering alarm notes when disturbed.
Plumage
Marked sexual dimorphism: males are largely glossy black with a satin sheen; females are warm rufous-brown above with paler, buffy to whitish underparts. Juveniles resemble females but are duller and more mottled. Feathers are smooth and sleek in males, slightly softer-toned in females.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects and other arthropods, including beetles, caterpillars, flies, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves and bark and also makes short aerial sallies to capture flying insects. Occasional hover-gleaning and sally-gleaning are used to take prey from foliage. It may opportunistically take small larvae hidden in rolled leaves.
Preferred Environment
Forages in native forest from the understory to mid-canopy, especially along shaded streambeds, gullies, and forest edges. Prefers structurally complex, intact native vegetation where prey is abundant. Avoids open, degraded areas with dense invasive undergrowth.
