The steel-blue flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae. It is found in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
Region
Southwest Pacific (Solomon Islands and Bougainville)
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and secondary tropical moist forests, forest edges, and riverine corridors across the Solomon Islands and Bougainville. It forages from understory to mid-canopy, often along gaps and edges where flying insects are abundant. The species tolerates lightly disturbed habitats and can appear in gardens and small plantations near forest. Mangrove margins and coastal woodland are used locally where available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A member of the monarch flycatchers, the steel-blue flycatcher is noted for the male’s glossy, steely-blue sheen. It inhabits islands of the Solomon Islands archipelago and nearby Bougainville (Papua New Guinea), with subtle plumage differences among island populations. Pairs are typically territorial and perform quick sallies from shaded perches to snatch insects mid-air.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent sallies
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories within forest. Pairs build a small cup nest on a horizontal branch or fork, often over streams or clearings. Both sexes participate in nest defense and care for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a series of clear, slightly metallic whistles interspersed with thin, high chips. Calls accelerate into brief trills during territorial interactions or when agitated.
Plumage
Male shows a smooth, glossy steel-blue to slate-blue sheen above with cleaner, paler underparts; female is duller with grey-brown upperparts and warmer buffy underparts. Feathers appear sleek and close-fitting, aiding its agile flight. Bill base has fine rictal bristles typical of flycatchers.
Diet
Feeds primarily on flying insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and wasps, caught in quick aerial sallies. Also gleans spiders and small arthropods from foliage and bark. Occasional small berries may be taken but are not a major component of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, in light gaps, and midstory perches where visibility of flying prey is high. Frequently uses shaded, sheltered perches from which it launches short pursuits.
