Biak Monarch
Symposiachrus brehmii
A rare, medium-sized bird of lowland forest on Biak Island. Pale yellow belly and undertail, black chest and upperparts, except for large pale yellow patches on the wing and an irregular triangular shape behind the eye. Often joins mixed species flocks where it forages for insects. Adult is unmistakable on Biak. Song, a series of descending whistles “poo piuu piuu piuu piuu!”. Call, harsh rasps.
Identification
Biak monarchs measure 17 centimeters. Its heads, wings, throat, and central tail feathers are dark brown or black; its outer tail feathers, belly, breast, and rump are white. It also has a white patch on its wing. Some of the coloring may differ based on sex or age.
Taxonomy
This species was originally placed in the genus Monarcha until moved to Symposiachrus in 2009.
- Scientific name
- Symposiachrus brehmii
- Authority
- (Schlegel, 1871)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Monarchidae
- Genus
- Symposiachrus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
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Fairly small, warm brown woodcreeper with buffy spots on breast and vague buffy eyebrow. Note relatively short, straight bill. Very similar to many other species of woodcreepers but smaller than most others in range; tail relatively longer than most other woodcreepers but this is of limited use in field identification. Focus on overall shape, especially the vaguely “pin-headed” look and scruffy feathers on the nape. Generally found in primary forest, usually following a mixed-species flock. Best identified by voice, though not a particularly vocal species. Song is a long, fast series of medium-pitched piping notes that at first speed up and then slow down at the end of the phrase.
Creamy-bellied Gnatcatcher
Polioptila lactea
Distinctive gnatcatcher. Males have a glossy black cap and are gray above with a white face and yellow-washed underparts. Females have a gray cap. Forages acrobatically in the canopy and at the edges of humid forests and woodlands. May be seen alone or with mixed-species flocks. The song is a fast, thin “weet-weet-weet-weet.”
Burrowing Owl
Athene cunicularia
Small, long-legged owl of open grassy habitats. Appears brown at a distance with irregular white spotting. Yellow eyes. Typically found on the ground or perched on low fence posts or rocks. Active during day and night when it hunts mainly for insects and small mammals. When agitated, it stands erect and abruptly bows down. Nests in a burrow, often dug by a prairie dog or tortoise.
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