The slaty monarch is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae endemic to Fiji. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Fiji Islands
Typical Environment
Found on larger Fijian islands in subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, including primary and mature secondary growth. It favors dense understory and midstory strata, often along forest edges, stream margins, and within riverine forest. The species typically forages in shaded interior habitats and avoids highly open agricultural areas. It may persist near selectively logged forests if sufficient canopy and understory structure remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to Fiji, the slaty monarch is a small forest flycatcher that helps control insect populations in native lowland woods. It often joins mixed-species foraging flocks and makes short sallies from shaded perches to glean prey. While it tolerates secondary growth, extensive forest clearing can reduce local numbers.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and frequently associates with mixed-species flocks while foraging. Breeding pairs are territorial; they build a small cup nest suspended from a forked twig. Both parents participate in incubation and provisioning of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of sharp chips and thin, squeaky whistles delivered from mid-canopy perches. Calls are quick and repetitive, often given while actively foraging. Vocalizations help pairs maintain contact in dense foliage.
Plumage
Smooth slaty-grey upperparts with paler grey underparts and a clean, contrasting throat. Feathers appear sleek with subtle sheen; wings show faint pale edging or bars.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods, including beetles, flies, caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and bark and also makes short flycatching sallies to snatch flying insects. Rictal bristles aid in capturing aerial prey, and it often forages methodically through the midstory.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within shaded understory and mid-canopy of intact and lightly disturbed lowland rainforest. Also uses forest edges and streamside thickets where insect activity is high. Joins mixed-species flocks to exploit moving concentrations of prey.
