The spot-winged monarch, or spot-wing monarch flycatcher, is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae. It is found in New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout the lowland and foothill rainforests of New Guinea, including both Papua New Guinea and Indonesian Papua. Prefers primary and well-developed secondary tropical moist forests, but also uses riverine and swamp forests and forest edges. Typically forages in the midstory and lower canopy and may venture along shaded trails and streams. It tolerates some disturbance where forest structure remains intact.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A member of the monarch flycatchers, the spot-winged monarch is confined to New Guinea’s lowland rainforests. It often joins mixed-species flocks and forages by sallying for insects from shaded perches. The species was formerly placed in the genus Monarcha before being reassigned to Symposiachrus. Its IUCN status is Least Concern due to its wide distribution in suitable habitat.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs within territories, and frequently joins mixed-species flocks moving through the midstory. Builds a small cup nest suspended from a forked branch using plant fibers and spider webs. Likely monogamous, with both parents attending the nest and young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives clear, whistled notes interspersed with sharp ticks. Calls are penetrating but not loud, often delivered from shaded perches within the midstory.
Plumage
Contrasting black-and-white flycatcher with neat spotting on the wing coverts giving a ‘spotted wing’ effect. Upperparts and head are dark (black to sooty), with clean whitish underparts and crisp patterning. Feathers are sleek and close-fitting, typical of forest flycatchers.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods such as flies, beetles, moths, and spiders. Captures prey by sallying from a perch and by gleaning from foliage and thin branches. Foraging is agile but deliberate, often targeting insects flushed by mixed-species flock activity.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the shaded midstory and lower canopy of intact rainforest and mature secondary growth. Frequently works along forest edges, riparian corridors, and quiet trails where insect activity is concentrated.
