The Vella Lavella monarch, is a passerine bird in the monarch flycatcher family Monarchidae. It is endemic to the islands of Ranongga and Vella Lavella in the Solomon Islands archipelago. It was formerly considered as conspecific with the Kolombangara monarch.
Region
Solomon Islands (Western Province)
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and secondary lowland rainforests, forest edges, and selectively logged forest on Vella Lavella and Ranongga. It favors dense understorey and mid-storey strata where it can perch and make short flights to capture prey. The species can sometimes be found in overgrown gardens and coconut groves adjacent to native forest. Pairs maintain territories and are most numerous where intact forest patches persist. Habitat fragmentation can limit movements between suitable patches.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Vella Lavella monarch is a forest-dwelling monarch flycatcher restricted to the islands of Vella Lavella and Ranongga in the Solomon Islands. It was formerly lumped with the Kolombangara monarch but is now treated as a separate species based on differences in range and plumage/vocal traits. Like other monarchs, it is an agile insect-hunter that forages by gleaning and short sallies. Ongoing logging and habitat alteration on its small islands make it sensitive to forest loss.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or family groups defending small forest territories. Nests are shallow cup nests placed on horizontal forks or suspended from slender branches. Often joins mixed-species foraging flocks but remains assertive within its space. Breeding likely timed to periods of peak insect abundance.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Clear, whistled phrases interspersed with sharp chips, delivered from mid-canopy perches. Males give repetitive, carrying notes during territory advertisement and duets with mates.
