The Samoan flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae. It is endemic to Samoa. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, and rural gardens and is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Southwest Pacific (Samoan Archipelago)
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical and tropical moist lowland and montane forests, as well as forest edges, secondary growth, plantations, and rural gardens. It favors areas with scattered perches from which it can launch short aerial sallies. Birds occupy both primary and disturbed habitats but are most numerous where forest structure remains intact. Avoids the most heavily urbanized zones and extensive treeless farmland.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Samoan broadbill, this monarch flycatcher is confined to the Samoan archipelago. It often sallies from exposed perches to snatch flying insects and adapts reasonably well to secondary growth and rural gardens. Habitat loss and invasive predators remain ongoing pressures, so intact forest patches are important for its persistence.
Temperament
active and moderately territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories in suitable habitat. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and build small cup nests in forks of branches. Both adults typically participate in nest defense and provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear whistles and sharp chipping notes, delivered from prominent perches. Calls include rapid scolds when disturbed, with a sweet, fluty song used in territory advertisement.
Plumage
Male is glossy blue-black to slaty above with a dark head and throat contrasting with a clean white belly; wings and tail are dark with slight sheen. Female is browner above with warmer rufous tones and paler buffy underparts, often with a lighter throat. Both sexes show a broad, flattened flycatcher bill and may appear slightly crested when feathers are raised.
Diet
Primarily hunts flying insects such as flies, moths, beetles, and wasps, taken on the wing. Also gleans spiders and small arthropods from foliage and bark. Foraging is done by watch-and-sally tactics, returning to the same perch repeatedly.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, light gaps, and midstory clearings where insects are most active. Readily uses perches in secondary forest, plantations, and gardens adjacent to forest.
