The Nuku Hiva monarch, or Nukuhiva flycatcher, is an extinct species of bird in the family Monarchidae. It was endemic to French Polynesia. Its natural habitats were subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, and heavily degraded former forest. It became extinct due to habitat loss and introduced predators. The last confirmed sighting was in the 1930s and a possible sighting was reported in 1975.
Region
Marquesas Islands, South Pacific
Typical Environment
Historically occurred in Nuku Hiva’s subtropical to tropical moist forests, using both lowland and montane zones. It foraged in the understory and midstory of primary forest and tolerated some secondary growth. Birds were reported from steep valleys, forested ridges, and along stream corridors. As forests were cleared and altered, it persisted for a time in degraded habitats before disappearing.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the Nukuhiva flycatcher, this monarch was restricted to Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas Islands. It declined rapidly after human settlement due to habitat loss and predation by introduced mammals such as rats and cats. The last confirmed records were in the 1930s, with an unconfirmed report in 1975. Its extinction underscores the vulnerability of island endemics to invasive species and habitat degradation.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies
Social Behavior
Likely occurred as territorial pairs during the breeding season, maintaining small home ranges in forested ravines and slopes. Nests were probably cup-shaped and placed on horizontal branches or forks, as in related Pomarea species. Both parents likely participated in incubation and feeding of nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, whistled notes interspersed with sharp chips typical of monarch flycatchers. Males likely delivered more sustained phrases at dawn, with soft contact calls used between pair members.
