Black-naped Monarch (Hypothymis azurea) काला कटकटिया - Birds Around Me 0251
The Black-naped Monarch, known in Hindi as काला कटकटिया, is one of the most striking small flycatchers found across India and much of South and Southeast Asia. Its vibrant plumage and lively behavior make it a favorite among birdwatchers. Black-naped Monarch (Hypothymis azurea) काला कटकटिया Jabalpur, April 2025 This delicate bird measures about 15–16 cm in length. The male is a dazzling shade of azure-blue, with a distinctive black patch on the nape and a narrow black half-collar across the throat. Its underparts are paler, giving a graceful contrast. Females are duller, with olive-brown wings and lacking the black markings, but they retain the same elegant shape and charm. The Black-naped Monarch thrives in forests, wooded gardens, and mangroves, often near water bodies. It is widely distributed across India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Southeast Asia, making it a familiar sight in tropical and subtropical regions. This species is an active insect-hu...