Island Monarch Monarcha cinerascens on Ashmore Reef: First Records for Australian Territory

Abstract

Island Monarchs Monarcha cinerascens were observed at Ashmore Reef during the months of October and/or November in 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. In 2010 up to four were present together, and we consider that more than six individuals visited the Reef that year. Only single birds were observed on previous occasions. Thus the total number of Island Monarchs that has been detected on the Reef is at least eight and probably greater than ten. Reports of the 2004, 2007, 2008 and 2009 observations were assessed and accepted by the Birds Australia Rarities Committee (Case nos 467, 544, 581 and 701, respectively), with the 2004 observation being the first record for Australian territory. This paper documents all known occurrences on Ashmore Reef.

We postulate that these occurrences are examples of dispersal of birds seeking suitable habitat beyond their usual range in the islands of the Indonesian archipelago just to the north.