Distribution Map
Black-winged Monarch
Monarcha frater
NativeStatus
Fairly CommonRarity
Species Description
The Black-winged Monarch (*Monarcha frater*) is a small flycatcher found in the rainforests of New Guinea and Australia’s Cape York Peninsula. It stands out with a unique combination of pale grey upperparts, vivid black wings and tail, and rich orange underparts. This species is a seasonal visitor to Australia, breeding before migrating north.
Fun Facts
Their calls become more frequent and lively after rain, adding to the rainforest’s soundscape.
1. Striking contrast between black wings/tail and pale silvery-grey back
2. Black facial mask and throat patch
3. Rich orange-rufous underparts below a pale grey breast
The Black-winged Monarch breeds in Australia from October to March, constructing deep cup-shaped nests from moss, bark strips, and plant fibers in vertical forks of saplings or trees. Unlike many flycatchers, they forage methodically among the canopy, gleaning insects from foliage. The subspecies *Monarcha frater canescens* migrates to Far North Queensland to breed, then vanishes from Australia around April–May, with strong evidence that it spends the non-breeding season somewhere in New Guinea, though the precise location remains a scientific mystery.
Black-winged Monarchs inhabit rainforests and adjacent open eucalypt woodlands in Cape York Peninsula, Australia’s northernmost region, and are also found in New Guinea. In Australia, they are best seen in places like Iron Range National Park, foraging in the middle levels of the forest canopy. They may also venture into mangroves.
Physical Attributes
Height
17 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds29%
Top Locations
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Top birding locations will be available in a future update.