- Monarcha richardsii
Identification
17cm. A rather small monarch with a striking plumage and conspicuous white on head.
- Pure white forecrown to nape
- Glossy bluish-black rest of head, upperparts and breast
- Chestnut rest of underparts below breast
- Bluish-grey bill, sometimes tipped black
Sexes similar. Juveniles without white, head to throat and upperparts grey, underparts below throat rufous.
Distribution
Endemic to New Georgia Islands (Vella Lavella, Ranongga, Gizo, Kolombangara, New Georgia, Vangunu, Gatukai group, Rendova and Tetepare) in the western Solomon Islands.
A common or locally common restricted-range species. Threatened due to rapid rate of logging in its range.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species[1].
Forms a superspecies with Black-faced Monarch, Black-winged Monarch, Bougainville Monarch and Chestnut-bellied Monarch.
Habitat
Semi-evergreen forest.
Occurs from sea-level to 1100m, more common in lowlands.
Behaviour
Diet
Feeds mainly on small invertebrates. Usually seen in pairs, small groups or in mixed-species flocks with other monarchs and white-eyes.
Breeding
One nest was found in late October. It was a deep cup made of plant fibres, grasses and gossamer and placed c. 1m above the ground in the fork of a sapling. No other information.
Movements
A resident species.
References
- Clements, J. F., P. C. Rasmussen, T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, T. A. Fredericks, J. A. Gerbracht, D. Lepage, A. Spencer, S. M. Billerman, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2023. The eBird/Clements checklist of Birds of the World: v2023. Downloaded from https://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. (2024) White-capped Monarch. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 8 May 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/White-capped_Monarch
External Links
GSearch checked for 2020 platform.1
