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
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
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