Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Black-naped Monarch (Hypothymis azurea)
Black-naped Monarch

Black-naped Monarch

Hypothymis azurea

The Black-naped Monarch, or Black-naped Blue Flycatcher (Hypothymis azurea), is a dainty and nimble bird from the family of monarch flycatchers. It graces the southern and southeastern parts of Asia with its presence. The male is adorned with a striking black patch on the nape and a delicate black half-collar, while the female is more subdued with olive-brown wings and absent the black head markings.

Identification Tips

Males of this species can be identified by their pale azure blue plumage and distinctive black nape and gorget. Females, on the other hand, are less vivid and lack the black markings, with grey-brown wings and back. The bill is fine, and the gape color ranges from yellowish to green. Subspecies vary slightly in size and the intensity of their coloration.

Habitat

The Black-naped Monarch favors dense forests and other richly wooded environments, where it can be seen flitting about with grace.

Distribution

This bird has a broad range across tropical southern Asia, from Iran and Sri Lanka to Indonesia and the Philippines.

Behaviour

With short legs, the Black-naped Monarch perches very upright, reminiscent of a shrike. It is primarily insectivorous, engaging in flycatching to capture its prey. When alert, it raises its nape feathers into a pointed crest. It is known to participate in mixed-species foraging flocks and is particularly active in the understory of forest canopies.

Song & Calls

The Black-naped Monarch's call is a sharp and abrupt "skrip," which it uses to communicate within its habitat.

Breeding

During the main breeding season, which occurs from May to July in India, the Black-naped Monarch lays two to three eggs in a cup-shaped nest situated in a tree fork. The nest is often adorned with spider-egg cases.

Similar Species

While there are no similar species mentioned, the Black-naped Monarch can be distinguished from other flycatchers by its unique coloration and black nape markings in males.

Diet and Feeding

This bird is insectivorous, adept at flycatching, and is an integral member of mixed-species foraging flocks.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Black-naped Monarch as Least Concern, indicating that it currently faces no significant threats to its survival.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Black-naped Monarches on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Monarchs

Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Carrie
Makes you want to spot birds more
I think this app is fun. It makes you want to spot birds more so I guess in a way it encourages you to get out and about instead of sitting in front of the TV.
Leonie
We've been waiting for an App like this
Excellent! We've been waiting for an app like this! Thank you! It would be nice if you could assign additional birds to sessions later!
Abi.M
Awesome App
I really enjoy using this app! It is such a friendly community of bird-lovers who are happy to help if I need ID advice. It’s been great motivation to get outdoors and go birding more! 10/10 😍😍
Dan R
Great app for bird fanatics
Great app for bird fanatics - very user friendly and a perfect place to share sightings.
Unbridled Discoveries
Great app for bird lovers
I love this app! It’s a wonderful way to track birding sessions, and also connect you with fellow birders. I also really like the unidentified bird section, it’s a great community tool to help figure out what a never-before-seen bird is!
Nedz53
Really useful
Downloaded to give it a try, everything worked perfectly, recorded my first bird watching walk. Very impressed. Have already recommended to friends!
Sacha0508
Simply fantastic
I love this app, it puts so much fun into recording the birds I’ve seen and heard while I’m out and about. The interface is user-friendly and suitable for all ages. It’s great to collect badges and to review my “lists”.
BCHphotography_
Such a great app!
I didn’t think I could enjoy birding more but this app makes it so much better. Some great features and a really great way to share your sightings with your friends or fellow birders nearby or around the world! âĪïļ
Ellesse_W
Learning Birding with Birda
I’m relatively new to birding as a hobby, and Birda is a great way to keep track off all the species I see. I’m still working on my ID skills, but the app is great for figuring out potential species, and the online community is so friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend Birda to both early and serious birders! ðŸĶ
Jake W
Great app
I use this app all the time as it’s quick and easy to log individual sightings or whole birding sessions. It’s an excellent way to meet new people and the forum is full of really friendly people. The challenges are a great way to get involved and learn more about birds. Cannot recommend it enough!
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright ÂĐ 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.