Alternative names: Society Islands Monarch; Tahiti Flycatcher; Tahiti Monarch-flycatcher
- Pomarea nigra
Identification
15cm.
- Metallic black plumage
- Pale blue bill
- Dark eye
- Bluish-grey legs
Sexes similar. Immatures are rufous-cinnamon and paler below.
Distribution
Endemic to Tahiti, French Polynesia.
A very rare restricted-range species. Only 21 birds left in 1997. Intensive conservation has increased the population to ca. 38 birds in 2004-2005. Main threats are Black Rat, invasive plants and introduced Red-vented Bulbul and Common Myna.
Taxonomy
This was a monotypic species.
Formerly considered conspecific with Maupiti Monarch.
Habitat
Found in moist forest dominated by fau, giant fern and mara tree.
Occurs now between 80 and 400m, originally from sea-level up to 1500m.
Behaviour
Diet
Feeds on insects, including caterpillars.
Forages in the canopy and in undergrowth by gleaning prey from leaves and branches. Actively defends a territory all year.
Breeding
Breeding season October to February. The nest is cup-shaped and made of moss. It's usually placed in a mara tree. Lays 1 egg.
Movements
A sedentary species.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2014. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: Version 6.9., with updates to August 2014. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Del Hoyo, J, A Elliot, and D Christie, eds. 2006. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 11: Old World Flycatchers to Old World Warblers. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8496553064
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Tahiti Monarch. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 13 January 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Tahiti_Monarch
