Region

Bismarck Archipelago

Typical Environment

Occurs on Mussau Island, where it inhabits lowland primary and semi-mature secondary rainforests. It uses forest interiors, edges, and occasionally tall agroforestry mosaics if canopy structure remains. Forages from the mid-story to subcanopy, often making short sallies to catch aerial insects. Sensitive to heavy logging and widespread clearing, so it is most frequent in less disturbed tracts.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 400 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from perches

Social Behavior

Typically seen singly or in pairs, maintaining territories within forest. Pairs are likely monogamous, building small cup nests placed on horizontal branches in the mid-story. Often joins mixed-species flocks briefly while foraging but generally remains within its territory.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Soft, thin whistles and piping notes delivered from mid-canopy perches. Calls include sharp chips used in contact and alarm.

Diet

Primarily hunts flying and gleanable insects such as beetles, flies, moths, and caterpillars. It occasionally takes small spiders and other arthropods. Prey is captured by sallying out from a perch or by quick gleaning among leaves and twigs.

Preferred Environment

Feeds in mid-story to subcanopy of intact or lightly disturbed rainforest. Also works along forest edges and canopy gaps where insect activity is concentrated.