The Pohnpei flycatcher, known as Koikoi in Pohnpeian, is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae. It is endemic to Micronesia and can be found on the Caroline Islands.
Region
Caroline Islands, Micronesia
Typical Environment
Occurs across Pohnpei Island and nearby small islets, occupying humid tropical forests from lowlands to uplands. It favors forest interiors, edges, and secondary growth, and readily uses agroforests, village groves, and gardens with tall trees. The species hunts from mid-story and sub-canopy perches where insect activity is high. It is tolerant of moderate habitat disturbance provided vertical structure and perches remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Known locally as Koikoi, this monarch flycatcher is confined to Pohnpei in the Caroline Islands. It typically hunts by sallying out from shaded perches to snatch insects mid-air. Pairs defend small territories and build neat cup nests often bound with spider silk. The species is non-migratory and is frequently seen in both primary forest and human-altered habitats.
Temperament
active and moderately territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season when pairs defend small foraging territories. Nests are neat cup structures placed on horizontal branches in the mid-story. Both adults likely participate in feeding the young and guarding the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of clear whistled phrases and short, sweet trills delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp chips and scolding notes when alarmed.
Plumage
Male is glossy dark slate-blue to blackish above with clean whitish underparts; female is browner above with paler, buff-washed underparts. Both sexes have a broad-based, flattened bill typical of monarch flycatchers and may show a faint pale throat or eyebrow. The contrast between dark upperparts and pale belly is a key field mark.
Diet
Primarily feeds on flying and gleaned insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and small orthopterans. It often sallies from a perch to catch prey mid-air and also picks insects from foliage and bark. Spiders and other small arthropods are also taken.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid-story and lower canopy of moist forest, as well as along edges, streams, and clearings. It readily uses tall trees in gardens and agroforestry plots, especially where perches and open flyways are available.
