Myiagra atra
The Biak Black Flycatcher (Myiagra atra) is a striking passerine bird, a member of the monarch flycatcher family Monarchidae, entirely endemic to the Biak-Supiori island group off the northern coast of New Guinea. Measuring approximately 12-14 cm in length, both sexes exhibit a distinctive and uniform glossy black plumage, extending to their bill, legs, and feet, making them one of the few entirely black flycatchers. This monomorphic appearance means sexual dimorphism is virtually absent, wit...
This species primarily inhabits lowland to lower montane rainforests, secondary growth, and forest edges, often favoring areas near streams and clearings.
Its diet consists primarily of small invertebrates, predominantly insects, which it captures by aerial hawking and gleaning from foliage.
The Biak Black Flycatcher is a highly active and restless bird, typically observed singly or in pairs, tirelessly flitting through the understory and mid-canopy. It employs an 'aerial sallying' foraging technique, darting out from a perch to snatch flying insects in mid-air, but also gleans inver...
The Biak Black Flycatcher is strictly endemic to the Biak-Supiori island group, which includes Biak, Supiori, and possibly Numfor islands, located off the northern coast of Papua Province, Indonesia. This incredibly restricted distribution means its entire global population exists within a small ...
Near Threatened
- The Biak Black Flycatcher is a true island endemic, found only on the Biak-Supiori island group in Indonesia, making it a unique evolutionary product of insular isolation. - Unlike many bird species, both male and female Biak Black Flycatchers are virtually identical in their glossy black pluma...