Black-faced Monarch

Overview

The black-faced monarch (Monarcha melanopsis) is a passerine songbird in the family Monarchidae found along the eastern seaboard of Australia. It also occurs in New Guinea, where the majority of the population migrates during the austral winter from May to August.

Identification

• Grey plumage with rufous underparts.
• Mature individuals possess a distinct black patch on the face.

Habitat

The species' preferred habitat consists of rainforest and wet forest. Its range extends along the eastern seaboard of Australia and into New Guinea, which serves as a winter migration destination for most of the birds from May to August.

Did you know?

The specific name for the bird is derived from the Ancient Greek words melas meaning 'black' and ops meaning 'face'.