The Solomons monarch, also known as the black-and-white monarch, is a species of passerine bird in the monarch flycatcher family Monarchidae. It is found from Buka Island to Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands archipelago. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss. This species was formerly considered to be conspecific with the Malaita monarch.
Region
Southwest Pacific
Typical Environment
Occurs from Buka and Bougainville (Papua New Guinea) south through the northern and central Solomon Islands to Guadalcanal. It inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, including primary forest, mature secondary growth, and forest edge. It frequents the midstory and lower canopy and may use riparian corridors and lightly degraded habitats. The species is generally absent from heavily cleared landscapes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the black-and-white monarch, this flycatcher is a striking study in contrast, with bold black upperparts and clean white underparts. It forages by sallying and gleaning in the forest midstory and often joins mixed-species flocks. The species was formerly lumped with the Malaita monarch but is now treated as distinct. Ongoing logging and forest conversion in the Solomon Islands archipelago pose threats to its lowland habitats.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, often joining mixed-species foraging flocks. Pairs defend territories and build a neat cup nest placed on a horizontal branch or fork in the midstory. Clutch size is small, and both parents participate in incubation and feeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, whistled phrases interspersed with sharp chip calls. Males give more prolonged, melodious sequences during the breeding season and pairs may duet softly while foraging.
