Monarch Flycatchers: Monarchidae

Monarch flycatchers can be found in southern Africa, India and Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and the southern tip of Saudi Arabia. Indonesia is the home of thirty species that nest in the archipelagoes, or groups of tiny islands.

Monarch flycatchers prefer forest habitats, living in clearings and along the edges of the forest growth. They also can be found nesting in fruit plantations, formal gardens, and parks.

These birds are insect eaters. Most members of this family catch flying insects on the wing, while in the air. Others, however, will find insects among the leaves of trees and shrubs.

Five species of monarch flycatcher are Critically Endangered, facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild, and six are Vulnerable, facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. Fourteen are Near Threatened, in danger of becoming threatened with extinction, and two are Extinct, no longer exist.