Monarcha frater
The Black-winged Monarch (Monarcha frater) is a striking passerine bird, measuring approximately 15-18 cm (6-7 inches) in length and weighing around 14-20 grams. Adults are characterized by a distinctive black head, throat, upper breast, wings, and tail, which sharply contrast with a pristine white belly and a rich rufous (cinnamon) back and rump. A prominent broad black breast band cleanly separates the black throat from the white underparts, serving as a key identification mark. Sexes are l...
Inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, monsoon vine thickets, gallery forests, and eucalypt woodlands, typically from sea level up to 1500 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, consuming a diverse array of invertebrates including beetles, moths, caterpillars, flies, and spiders, occasionally supplementing its diet with small berries. It forages by gleaning from vegetation and aerial hawking.
The Black-winged Monarch is a diurnal and highly active insectivore, usually observed individually or in monogamous pairs. It employs a versatile foraging strategy, gleaning insects and spiders from foliage, branches, and bark, and also performing aerial sallies from perches to catch flying prey....
The Black-winged Monarch has an extensive geographic distribution spanning New Guinea, its associated islands, and a significant portion of northeastern Australia. In New Guinea, it is a resident breeder, widespread throughout the lowlands and foothills, typically found up to elevations of approx...
Least Concern
- Despite its common name, the 'Black-winged Monarch' is easily distinguished by its striking rufous back, which beautifully contrasts with its black wings and head. - The Australian breeding population undertakes an impressive annual migration, crossing the Torres Strait to winter in New Guinea....