Tahiti Monarch
Pomarea nigra
A distinctive large glossy-black flycatcher with a pale bluish-ivory bill. Female has a cinnamon head, a buffy chest, white underparts and brown upperparts. Dependent on native moist forest between 80 and 400 meters of elevation. Song is strong, loud, complex, and melodious, with a repeated “wip-woorly” phrase.
Identification
This bird is 15 centimeters long and black in color with a pale blue bill. The juvenile is reddish brown. The call sounds like tick-tick-tick and the song is "flute-like".
Taxonomy
The Tahiti monarch was originally described in the genus Muscicapa. Formerly, the Maupiti monarch was considered as a subspecies of the Tahiti monarch until re-classified as separate species in 2012.
- Scientific name
- Pomarea nigra
- Authority
- (Sparrman, 1786)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Monarchidae
- Genus
- Pomarea
Range and habitat
The Tahiti Monarch lives in the canopy and understory in forests among mara trees (Neonauclea forsteri), the last native tree remaining on the island. It inhabits dense forests, typically situated between the altitudes of 80 meters and 4000 meters, primarily found in valley bottoms near rivers.<p>Native to Tahiti in the Society Islands of French Polynesia, this bird was previously found in only four out of 39 valleys of Tahiti between 1986-1991. A shift was observed in 1998 when the Tahiti Monarch vanished from two of these previously recorded valleys only to emerge in two new valleys. this established their residency in Papehua, Orofero, Tiapa and Maruapo valleys. By 2010, Orofero valley population was reported to have vanished. As of 2019 the Birdlife International Data Zone factsheet, records an estimate of 25-100 adult individuals. Another study done that same year estimated a total of 91 adults.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
This vocal and highly territorial bird keeps its insect foraging activities primarily under canopy or amidst undergrowth with minimal appearance in open areas. The flight pattern is characterized by slow, straightforward movements. Its song is described to resemble that of the Tahiti Reed-Warbler but possessing a more flute like quality. Notably it's alarm call is characterized by a sharp staccato tick sound.<p>The Tahiti Monarch exhibits monogamous behavior, with varying duration of courtships. They share the responsibilities of nest building, incubation and chick rearing. Interactions between the bonded pairs included beak to beak contact and courtship displays characterized by the male flapping his wings and a distinctive vocalization differing from territorial calls.<p>Despite demonstrating reduced fecundity, egg laying takes place year-round with heightened activity observed between August and January. Nesting occurs in a fork of branches, opened like a cup and under a protective layer of leaves for rain and sunlight determent. The nests interior is adorned with fronts of small ferns of either Adiantum trapeziforme or A. raddianum. inside it contains a regurgitated mixture, made from minute wood and leaves. Exteriorly, a dash of white spider silk web is occasionally accompanied by small leaves, which is assumed to help aid in the concealment of their nest and structural integrity. the construction of a nest can take anywhere from 4 to 22 days depending on if there is pre exiting structures to work with. In the case of nest failure, this monarch was observed to attempt up to seven replacements in a single breeding season.
Conservation
- Population trend
- rising
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Vinaceous Dove
Streptopelia vinacea
A fairly plain, typical-looking dove that is the default dove in much of the Sahel of northern Africa. The head and breast are pinkish-gray, and the neck has a black mark. The gray bars across the wings and white corners to the tail are conspicuous in flight. Found in a wide variety of savanna, woodland, and cultivated areas, often in small flocks. Very similar to Ring-necked Dove and best distinguished by call, but also has a pinkish rather than pure gray forehead. African Collared-Dove is also similar, but Vinaceous Dove is darker overall, especially on the underwings. The typical call is a fast series of two higher coo notes followed by one lower coo, often given for long periods.
Gray Butcherbird
Cracticus torquatus
Medium-sized ambush-hunter with a long gray bill with a dark, hooked tip. Black head and face with a white nape and throat. Upperparts dark gray, with white rump, mostly black wings (limited white), and black tail with narrow white tip. Rollicking, chuckling song.
Hudson's Black-Tyrant
Knipolegus hudsoni
Highly migratory flycatcher that breeds in central Argentina from around September through March, then disperses north to Bolivia and Paraguay, and occasionally wanders even farther. Male is glossy black with a silvery, black-tipped bill. He has a white on the underside of the wing that is usually hidden while perched. Female is brown and buff with white wingbars, cinnamon rump and tail base, and faint mottling on the breast. Very similar to White-winged Black-Tyrant; female is paler on the breast and belly, but males are virtually indistinguishable in the field. Inhabits stunted forest, scrub, and overgrown clearings.
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