Black-naped monarch

Watch closely; you might catch a glimpse of the black-naped monarch. This bird is part of the monarch flycatcher family, which also includes shrikebills, magpie-larks, and paradise flycatchers. Found across tropical southern Asia, from Iran and Sri Lanka to Indonesia and the Philippines, the black-naped monarch prefers dense forests and other lush, wooded spots. It perches upright on its short legs and spends most of its time catching insects in midair. These birds occupy the dense understory of the forest canopy.
During the breeding season, the female black-naped monarch lays two or three eggs in a cozy, cup-shaped nest tucked into a tree fork, as seen in today's image. The nest is woven with filaments of spider webs and marasmius, a type of mushroom-producing fungus known for its natural antibiotic properties. This clever design may help shield young birds from harmful infections, turning the nest into a tiny, self-sustaining sanctuary. And here's another touch—Mama Bird even decorates the nest with spider-egg cases.
© komkrit tonusin/Alamy