Also called Pacific monarchs, black-naped monarchs are only 6 inches (16 centimeters) long. Their legs and feet are so weak they sit in a squatting pose when they perch. Both the male and the female have bright blue colouring on their heads, necks, backs and chests, with grayish white bellies. Females, though blue, have grayish brown tones on their backs and more blue on their tails and wings. Males also have a round black spot on the back of their head, or nape. The Chinese name for this bird means "black pillow" and refers to this black spot. In addition, males have a black stripe that encircles their throat. Because of their small size and their bright blue colouring, these birds have been nicknamed the "blue fairies of the forest." |
