The Yap monarch, or Yap Island monarch, is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae. It is endemic to the Yap Main Islands, Micronesia.
Region
Western Caroline Islands, Micronesia
Typical Environment
Restricted to the Yap Main Islands, where it occupies native lowland forests, secondary growth, mangroves, and wooded agroforestry mosaics. It favors edges, gaps, and midstory strata with good perch availability. The species tolerates some habitat modification but is most abundant in tracts of mature or well-regenerated forest. It is absent from treeless areas and heavily urbanized zones. Territories are typically small and clustered where continuous canopy remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Yap monarch is a small flycatcher endemic to the Yap Main Islands in the western Caroline Islands. It often forages by sallying from low to midstory perches and will also glean from leaves and bark. Nests are neat cup structures bound with spider silk and placed in the fork of small branches. Habitat loss and invasive predators are the principal threats, making the species a conservation priority on Yap.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies
Social Behavior
Usually encountered as pairs that defend small territories year-round. Builds a small, cup-shaped nest bound with spider silk and plant fibers in a horizontal fork. Both sexes participate in incubation and feeding of nestlings. Post-fledging family groups may remain together for a short period.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, ringing whistles interspersed with sharp chips. Males repeat simple phrases from exposed perches; alarm calls are harsher scolds.
