Black-naped monarch

The Black-naped Monarch (Hypothymis azurea) is a strikingly colourful forest bird found in Sri Lanka and across much of tropical Asia. The male is particularly distinctive, with brilliant blue plumage, a black nape and facial markings, and a prominent crest, while the female is generally duller in colour. It is an active insectivore, often seen making short aerial sallies from branches to catch insects. Usually inhabiting forests, wooded gardens, and well-vegetated areas, the Black-naped Monarch is a graceful and energetic bird that adds a splash of colour to Sri Lanka’s woodland ecosystems.