Indicative distribution
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Carterornis leucotis
Profile last updated:
12 Feb 2018
Description
The White-eared Monarch is a small, distinctively pied monarch-flycatcher, about the same size as the more widespread and much more common Grey Fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa). Adults are largely black above and pale grey below, with a highly distinctive black-and-white facial pattern, prominent white wing-bars and a white band at the base of the uppertail and a white tip to the tail. They are usually seen singly or in twos, especially in NSW, but can be hard to see in the rainforest as they are inconspicuous and tend to remain high in the canopy or subcanopy. Sometimes associate with with other small insectivorous birds, such as Rufous (Rhipidura rufifrons) and Grey Fantails. Their song is distinctive and plaintive, consisting of two notes, the second a descending and drawn-out whistle. They also utter other musical notes, a zitting contact call and a scolding chatter in alarm. Until recently, this species included in the same genus (Monarcha) as the other Monarchs occurring in Australia.
Distribution
The species is endemic to the coastal lowlands and eastern slopes of the Great Divide of eastern Australia, extending from Cape York Peninsula south to north-eastern NSW. In NSW, White-eared Monarchs are generally found from the Queensland border south to Iluka at the mouth of the Clarence River, and inland as far as the Richmond Range. There are occasional records south of the Clarence River, near Woolgoolga and around Port Macquarie.
Habitat and ecology
- In NSW, White-eared Monarchs occurs in rainforest, especially drier types, such as littoral rainforest, as well as wet and dry sclerophyll forests, swamp forest and regrowth forest.
- They appear to prefer the ecotone between rainforest and other open vegetation types or the edges of rainforest, such as along roads.
- They are highly active when foraging, characteristically sallying, hovering and fluttering around the outer foliage of rainforest trees. They are usually observed high in the canopy or subcanopy.
- They eat insects, but their diet is not well studied.
- They breed from about September to March, usually nesting high in the canopy, and often at the edge of patches of rainforest.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Clearing and increasing fragmentation and isolation of habitat, especially low-elevation subtropical rainforest, littoral rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest, through agricultural, tourist and residential development or forestry activities.
- Forest management that results in conversion of multi-aged forests to young, even-aged stands.
- Invasion of forests by weeds.
- Inappropriate fire regimes that degrade habitat or allow invasion by weeds.
- Degradation or loss of habitat through grazing of stock.
- Changes to rainforest habitat with climate change including drying and increased fire frequency.
- Lack of information on the species habitat requirements in NSW, particularly breeding habitat.
- Easily disturbed by the presence of people
Recovery strategies
A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.
Activities to assist this species
- Plant locally occurring trees and shrubs in gardens or other land adjacent to areas of known or potential habitat.
- Control weeds in areas of known and potential habitat or on land bordering such habitat.
- Protect areas of known and potential habitat from clearing and further fragmentation and isolation, including patches on private land in collaboration with landholders.
- Reconnect or enlarge patches of known and potential habitat, particularly using corridors along rivers and creeks.
- Protect habitat from inappropriate fire regimes and ensure habitat is protected in during fire planning and in hazard reduction guidelines.
- Report all records south of the Clarence River to the OEH.
- Monitor populations and determine seasonal movements, if any, the food requirements of the species and other basic aspects of ecology and biology to better manage the species in NSW.
- Exclude stock from areas of potential and known habitat.
Information sources
- Boles, W. (1988) The Robins & Flycatchers of Australia. (Angus and Robertson, Sydney)
- Christidis, L. and Boles, W.E. (2008) Systematics and Taxonomy of Australian Birds. (CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Victoria)
- Conole, L.E., Baverstock, G.A. and Holmes, G. (1995) Southern breeding records of the White-eared Monarch Monarcha leucotis. Sunbird 25(3): 60-62
- Holmes, G. (1987) Avifauna of the Big Scrub Region. (NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service, Sydney)
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Fauna. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
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