Population
Estimated population is <50 (2010) and increasing.
Status CR
Habitat degradation by weed invasion, predation by rats are the mainthreats. Possibly introduced birds may also be a factor.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Voice
A sharp 'tick-tick-tick' call. Song is a complex, flute-like melody.
Tahiti Monarch (Pomarea nigra) [XC723473]
by Santiago Imberti from P\u0101'ea, Windward Islands, France (song)
Tahiti Monarch (Pomarea nigra) [XC723474]
by id from P\u0101'ea, Windward Islands, France (song)
Subspecies
Extinct subspecies pomarea was confined to Maupiti, where known only from one 1823 specimen and an old painting and may have represented a separate species.
Purported extinct subspecies tabuensis, from Tonga, is based on misidentification of Polynesian Triller (Lalage maculosa).
The following 2 subspecies are recognised:
nigra (Sparrman, 1786) - Western Tahiti, in Society Is.
pomarea! (Lesson and Garnot, 1828) - Formerly highlands of Maupiti I. (Society Islands). Extinct.