The Ogea monarch or versicolored monarch is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae. It is endemic to two islands, Ogea Driki and Ogea Levu, in the Lau Group of south eastern Fiji.
Region
South Pacific (Fiji – Lau Group)
Typical Environment
Occurs only on the coral-limestone islands of Ogea Driki and Ogea Levu. It inhabits native lowland forest, dense thickets, and secondary growth, often near forest edges and clearings. The species forages in the lower to mid canopy, using perches within tangled vegetation. It tolerates some disturbance but depends on maintaining sufficient forest cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 100 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Ogea monarch, also called the versicolored monarch, is confined to the two tiny Ogea islands in Fiji’s Lau Group. Its very small range makes it sensitive to habitat change and invasive predators. It forages actively for insects, helping control forest arthropods. The name “versicolored” refers to subtle variation in its grey and buff tones across individuals.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches; agile sallying flights
Social Behavior
Typically encountered in pairs defending small territories. Builds a neat cup nest suspended in a fork or on a horizontal branch, using plant fibers, rootlets, and spider silk. Both parents likely share nesting duties and care for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of thin, high-pitched whistles and short, repeated phrases delivered from mid-level perches. Calls include sharp chips used during foraging and soft contact notes between pair members.
Plumage
Mostly dusky slate-grey above with paler grey to buff underparts; feathers appear smooth and slightly glossy on the head and mantle. Wings and tail are darker with faint edging. Throat and belly can appear paler, giving a softly contrasted, clean look.
Diet
Primarily hunts small insects and other arthropods, gleaning from leaves and twigs and occasionally snatching prey in short aerial sallies. It inspects vine tangles and leaf clusters methodically. Small beetles, flies, caterpillars, and spiders make up much of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the lower and mid canopy of native forest, forest edges, and dense scrub. Often forages along light gaps, trails, and openings where insects are more active.
