Monarch (Hypothymis) Information and Species … Monarch Photo Gallery
The Black-naped Monarchs (Hypothymis azurea), also known as the Black-naped Blue Monarch, is a small passerine bird.
It was previously classified with the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae, but the paradise flycatchers, monarch flycatchers and Australasian fantails are now normally grouped with the drongos in the family Dicruridae, which has most of its members in Australasia and tropical southern Asia.
Distribution / Range
The Black-naped Monarchs breeds across tropical southern Asia from India and Sri Lanka east to Indonesia and the Philippines.
This species is usually found in thick forests and other well-wooded habitats.
Nesting / Breeding
Three eggs are laid in a small cup nest in a tree.
Description
The adult male Black-naped Monarchs is about 16 cm long, and is mainly pale blue apart from a whitish lower belly. It has a black nape and a neat black gorget. The female is duller and lacks the black markings. Her wings and back are grey-brown.
Males of the Sri Lankan race H. a. ceylonensis lack the black nape (back of the neck) and gorget.
The Black-naped Monarch has short legs and sits very upright whilst perched prominently, like a shrike.
Diet / Feeding
Black-naped Monarchs is insectivorous, often hunting by flycatching.
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