The Palau flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae. It is endemic to Palau.
Region
Micronesia (Palau)
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout the Palau archipelago, including Babeldaob, Koror, Peleliu, Angaur, Kayangel, and the Rock Islands. It occupies primary and secondary lowland forests, forest edges, mangroves, coastal strand, and human-modified habitats such as agroforests and gardens. Birds often use midstory and canopy perches along gaps and edges where flying insects are abundant. It tolerates a mosaic of limestone and volcanic island habitats and readily forages near settlements.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 240 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Palau flycatcher is a monarch flycatcher found only in the Palauan archipelago, where it adapts well to both native forests and village gardens. It often hunts from exposed perches with quick sallies to snatch insects in midair. Males and females differ subtly in plumage, with males typically darker above and both sexes showing a rufous facial wash. Despite its small range, it is considered not at risk and remains fairly common on the main islands.
Temperament
alert and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent perch-to-perch sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs; pairs defend small territories during breeding. The nest is a neat, shallow cup of plant fibers and spider silk placed on a horizontal branch in the midstory. Both parents participate in incubation and feeding of nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of soft, clear whistles and tinkling phrases delivered from a prominent perch. Calls include sharp chips and thin, high tsip notes during foraging and contact.
Plumage
Compact flycatcher with smooth, sleek plumage; male typically dark bluish-slate to blackish above with clean whitish underparts and a warm rufous wash on the face and lores; female is warmer brown above with buffy to whitish underparts and similar rufous facial tones.
Diet
Primarily catches flying insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and dragonflies with agile aerial sallies. Also gleans spiders and small arthropods from leaves and branches. It may occasionally take small fruits when insect activity is low.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, mangroves, and gardens where open sightlines allow aerial hawking. Typically uses midstory to canopy perches and returns repeatedly to favored lookout points.
