The Melanesian flycatcher is a species of bird in the monarch-flycatcher family Monarchidae. The species is found on islands in Melanesia.
Region
Melanesia
Typical Environment
Primarily found on New Caledonia and adjacent archipelagos in the southwest Pacific, with populations on nearby Melanesian islands such as the Loyalty Islands and parts of Vanuatu. It occupies lowland and foothill rainforests, moist secondary forests, and forest edges. The species also forages along riparian corridors and occasionally in wooded plantations. It prefers shaded understory to mid-story perches from which it sallies for prey. Occurrence is typically year-round within its island ranges.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Melanesian flycatcher is a small monarch-flycatcher that specializes in catching insects on the wing from shaded forest perches. It occurs on islands of Melanesia, where it adapts well to both primary rainforest and semi-disturbed habitats. Pairs are often territorial during the breeding season and build neat cup nests saddled on horizontal branches. Its quiet whistles and sharp chips can make it easier to detect by ear than by sight in dense foliage.
Temperament
active and moderately territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs within defended territories, especially during breeding. Monogamous pairs build small cup nests from fibers and spider webs on horizontal branches, often several meters above ground. They may join mixed-species foraging flocks outside the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of soft, whistled notes interspersed with sharp chip calls. Vocalizations carry in forest understory but are understated and can be easily overlooked.
Plumage
Males show glossy blue-black to slaty upperparts with cleaner pale underparts; females are browner above with warmer buff or whitish underparts. Feathers are smooth and sleek, giving a satin-like sheen in good light. The tail is moderately long and slightly rounded.
Diet
Primarily small flying insects such as flies, moths, beetles, and wasps, taken by aerial hawking. It also gleans spiders and insect larvae from leaves and twigs when opportunities arise. Foraging involves short sallies from low to mid-level perches, returning to the same or nearby perch to scan again.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along shaded forest trails, clearings, and edges where light gaps increase insect activity. Often uses mid-story perches in rainforest and moist secondary growth, and occasionally forages along streams and in wooded plantations.
