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Overview
Short-crested monarch

Short-crested monarch

Wikipedia

The short-crested monarch is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae and one of the most attractive of all the monarch flycatchers. It is a brilliant ultramarine blue bird with the males having a black facial markings with an electric blue eyering and a short crest contrasted with a pearly white belly. It is endemic to the Philippines found on the islands of Luzon, Camiguin Norte, Polilio, Catanduanes, Samar, Dinagat and Mindanao. It is found in tropical moist lowland forest. It is threatened by habitat loss. Along with the Celestial monarch, It is one of the most sought after birds among birdwatchers.

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Distribution

Region

Philippine Archipelago

Typical Environment

Occurs in tropical moist lowland forests, including primary and mature secondary growth. It uses the understory to midstory, often near streams and along shaded forest trails. The species tolerates light disturbance and edges but relies on larger forest tracts for breeding. It is patchily distributed across suitable habitat on Luzon and several eastern satellites, as well as parts of Mindanao and nearby islands.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1000 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size16–18 cm
Wing Span22–25 cm
Male Weight0.017 kg
Female Weight0.016 kg
Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This striking monarch flycatcher is confined to several Philippine islands and is prized by birdwatchers for its vivid ultramarine plumage and short, rakish crest. Like other monarchs, it builds a neat, spider-silk-bound cup nest often decorated with lichens. It favors intact lowland forest and is threatened by ongoing deforestation and habitat fragmentation.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

active and moderately territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies

Social Behavior

Typically seen singly or in pairs within territories, and may join mixed-species flocks while foraging. Nests are compact cup structures bound with spider silk and often placed on a horizontal fork or low branch. Breeding pairs defend nest sites and nearby feeding areas.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Song consists of clear, thin whistles interspersed with soft chattering notes. Calls include sharp chips and scolding trills when alarmed near the nest.

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