Home › Aves › Monarchidae › Black-naped Monarch (Hypothymis azurea)
SPECIES PROFILE
Black-naped Monarch (Hypothymis azurea)
Hypothymis
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Aves
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Indian subcontinent southeast Asia
DIET
Insectivorous
HABITAT
Forests scrub gardens
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Aves
ORDER
Passeriformes
FAMILY
Monarchidae
GENUS
Hypothymis
📋 Description
SIZE
15-17 cm long 10-15 g
COLORATION
Males blue with black nape patch females duller
ADAPTATIONS
Agile flight for insect catching perches low
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Forests scrub gardens
DIET
Insectivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Indian subcontinent southeast Asia
REPRODUCTION
Lays 2-3 eggs in cup nests incubated 12-14 days
DIET DETAILS
Insects small invertebrates
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Pesticide use habitat loss
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Naped Flyers: Black-naped Monarchs dart with 12-gram bodies catching 5 grams of insects daily in Kerala's forests. Males' black napes are distinctive.
2
Forest Hunters: These monarchs cover 2000 sq km in Tamil Nadu's woodlands nesting in low bushes. Deforestation threatens their prey.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in Kerala
Anamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round Forests ensure visibility for spotting monarchs
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Watch black-naped monarchs darting from low perches
