Black-winged Monarch

The Black-winged Monarch, known scientifically as Monarcha frater, is a captivating bird belonging to the Monarchidae family. This avian species is adorned with a plumage that harmonizes with the lush forests it calls home.

Identification Tips

When endeavoring to identify the Black-winged Monarch, one should look for its distinctive black wings, which contrast with the rest of its body. Observers should also note the bird's overall size and posture, which are characteristic of the Monarchidae family.

Habitat

The Black-winged Monarch thrives in the verdant realms of subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, as well as subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. These habitats provide the perfect backdrop for this species' existence.

Distribution

This species has graced both Australia and New Guinea with its presence, traversing these lands and adding to the rich tapestry of their respective avifaunas.

Subspecies

There are four recognized subspecies of the Black-winged Monarch, each with its own unique geographical niche:

• M. f. frater: Inhabits north-western New Guinea.
• M. f. kunupi: Calls west-central New Guinea its home.
• M. f. periophthalmicus: Found in central and south-eastern New Guinea.
• M. f. canescens, also known as the Pearly Monarch or Pearly Flycatcher: Resides on islands in the Torres Strait and north-eastern Australia.

Conservation Status

The Black-winged Monarch is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that, for now, this species is not at immediate risk of decline.

The Black-winged Monarch's story is one of nature's many wonders, a tale woven into the fabric of the forests it inhabits. As we turn the pages of our field guides, let us remember the responsibility we bear to ensure that such stories continue for generations to come.