Biak Monarch

Intro: 

Biak Monarch (Symposiachrus brehmii) is a bird species to the family of Monarchidae. It is endemic to Biak Island. The natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, the species faces the threat of habitat loss due to logging and forest clearing for local plantations, and its population is currently estimated to be in decline. The size of Biak Monarch approximately 17 cm in length and is characterized by black markings on its head, wings, throat, and central tail feathers, while its outer tail feathers, belly, breast, and rump are white; it also features a white patch on its wings. This bird is quite wary and is often seen moving through the forest canopy as part of a mixed-species flock.

Explore new spot for Biak Monarch

Today is the first day of July (1st July-2026). This morning, I go to a new location with my team as my planned before. We arrived there at 08.00am and had breakfast and hearing the short briefing before heading to explore the forest. It was a relatively short excursion, it is about four hours and got our goal. "Yes", that is  Biak Monarch was my target this morning. When we begin our activities with a prayer to the our God, the journey is truly blessed. 

It didn't take long, once I played my bird tape, the bird came right to me. About 4-5 of them appeared, playing amidst the foliage and acting somewhat shy. Nevertheless, they were not difficult to see or photograph. beside that, i also heard the other species such as: Biak Black Flycacther, Biak Fantail, Biak Coucal, Biak Hooded Pitta, Biak Paradise Kingfisher, Geelvink Imperial Pigeon, Geelvink Cicada Bird, Geelvink Fruit-dove, Long-tailed Starling, Geelvink Pygmy Parrot (i was took his photo), Emperor Fairywren, Sahul Brush Cuckoo, Eclectus Parrot, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Spangle Drongo, Metallic Starling, Clared-breasted Fruit-dove, Sahul & Black Sunbird, Red-capped Flowerpecker, Little Bronze Cuckoo in the one location. My next plan is to return to this spot to try make the photo's of them. So, for now...I would like to share some photos of my target this morning: Biak Monarch and additional of Geelvink Pygmy Parrot.