Pohnpei Flycatcher
Myiagra pluto
Small monarch flycatcher with uniformly dark glossy plumage. Endemic to Pohnpei Island, where it is the only small all-dark bird on the island; male Micronesian Starling is also glossy and dark, but is much larger, with yellow eyes. Inhabits forests and forest edges, often “flycatching” from a perch close to the ground. Gives a series of bright rising whistles, as well as a squeaky descending chatter and harsh rasping notes.
Taxonomy
Some authorities consider the Pohnpei flycatcher to be a subspecies of the oceanic flycatcher. Alternate names include the Pohnpei broadbill, Ponape broadbill, Ponape flycatcher and Ponape Myiagra flycatcher.
- Scientific name
- Myiagra pluto
- Authority
- Finsch, 1876
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Monarchidae
- Genus
- Myiagra
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Little Greenbul
Eurillas virens
This small greenbul is unusually plain, even by the standards of greenbuls. It does show a rusty tinge to the tail. Found in the understory and mid-story of forest, thickets, and overgrown cultivation. Skulking bird that is difficult to see well, but which is often common. Usually detected by distinctive song, which starts with hesitant introductory notes, then finishes with an explosive, bubbling jumble of notes. Very similar to several other greenbul species. Best distinguished by a combination of vocalizations and lack of a pale eye-ring.
Dulit Frogmouth
Batrachostomus harterti
Large frogmouth of Borneo’s central mountains. Inhabits foothill forest (typically 600–1230 m). Heavyset, with a whiskered face and bright white spots on the wings. Similar Large Frogmouth is generally found at lower elevations; Dulit has broader (as opposed to Large’s sharply triangular) white wing spots, strong pale barring on the throat, and overall darker coloration. Song is a low, resonant, melancholy-sounding “hooooo’m”; call consists of barks, typically given in pairs: “woo’WUP!”.
Dusky-chested Flycatcher
Myiozetetes luteiventris
Generally uncommon, rather plain flycatcher of lowland forest canopy. Pale eyes are usually difficult to see; best field marks are smudged gray-and-yellow breast, gray head, and stubby bill. Occurs in pairs or small groups that sometimes follow mixed-species flocks, eating insects and fruit. Resembles Sulphury Flycatcher, but is smaller with shorter bill. Highly vocal and usually first detected by its sharp, mewing calls.
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