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.
Plumage
Crisp black-and-white contrast with glossy black head, mantle, and breast set against white underparts. Wings are black with distinct white panels; tail largely black with some white edging. Plumage is sleek and unspotted, giving a clean, sharp appearance.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects such as beetles, flies, moths, and their larvae, as well as spiders and other small arthropods. It captures prey by flycatching from exposed perches and by gleaning from leaves, twigs, and epiphytes. Occasional hovering to pick prey from foliage is common.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory and lower canopy of lowland rainforest and mature secondary forest. Often works along forest edges, gaps, and near streams where insect activity is high. Will accompany mixed flocks along forest strata to exploit disturbed insect swarms.
