Chuuk monarch


The Chuuk monarch, or Truk monarch is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae. It is monotypic within the genus Metabolus. It is endemic to the island of Chuuk in Micronesia.

Taxonomy and systematics

The Chuuk monarch was originally described as belonging to the genus Muscicapa.

Description

The Chuuk monarch is a large monarch flycatcher, around 20 cm long. The plumage of this species is sexually dimorphic, with the male having almost entirely white plumage with a black face and throat and the female having entirely black plumage. The large bill is pale blue.

Distribution and habitat

The natural habitats of the Chuuk monarch are subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical mangrove forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, and plantations.

Threats

It is threatened by habitat loss, with the development of the island and the loss of its forest home.