Carterornis leucotis
The White-eared Monarch (Carterornis leucotis) is a small, strikingly pied passerine, measuring approximately 13-14 cm (5-5.5 inches) in length and weighing around 10-12 grams. Its plumage is characterized by black upperparts, head, throat, and a distinct black band across the upper breast, sharply contrasting with immaculate white underparts. The defining field mark, from which it derives its name, is a prominent white patch covering the ear-coverts. Bill and legs are black. Taxonomically, i...
Found in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, monsoon forests, gallery forests, and dense riparian vegetation, typically from sea level up to 1000 meters elevation.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on various insects and other small invertebrates, which it catches through gleaning and aerial flycatching.
Diurnal and often restless, the White-eared Monarch actively forages for insects by gleaning them from foliage, branches, and bark in the mid-story to canopy, frequently also sallying out to catch insects in flight (flycatching). During the breeding season, pairs are monogamous and establish terr...
The White-eared Monarch boasts a broad distribution across New Guinea and northeastern Australia, primarily inhabiting tropical lowland forests. In Australia, the nominate subspecies, *C. l. leucotis*, is restricted to the northern Cape York Peninsula in Queensland. Across New Guinea, various sub...
Least Concern
- Formerly classified in the genus *Monarcha*, its reclassification to *Carterornis* reflects a refined understanding of monarch flycatcher evolutionary relationships. - Its scientific name, *leucotis*, directly translates from Greek as 'white-eared,' aptly describing its most distinctive plumage...