Buru Monarch
Symposiachrus loricatus
A little-known black-and-white flycatcher-like species restricted to the island of Buru. Has a black hood, a striking white facial mark below the eye, all-black upperparts, and white outer tail feathers, lower chest, and belly. Juvenile has brown upperparts, rusty outer tail feathers, and a pale underside. Abundant in lowlands, less so in foothills, inhabiting understory of forests in singles and pairs. Attends mixed-species flocks. Lacks the extensive white facial markings and white wing panel of White-naped Monarch. Gives a repeated mournful whistle, “teeeeoow,” descending at the end, and rasping notes.
Taxonomy
This species was formerly placed in the genus Monarcha until moved to Symposiachrus in 2009. Some authorities have considered the black-tipped monarch to be a subspecies of the Kai monarch. Alternate names include Buru Island monarch and black-tipped monarch.
- Scientific name
- Symposiachrus loricatus
- Authority
- (Wallace, 1863)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Monarchidae
- Genus
- Symposiachrus
Range and habitat
The Buru monarch is found in the southern Moluccas. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
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