Pachycephala phaionota
The Island Whistler, scientifically known as Pachycephala phaionota, is a medium-sized passerine bird, typically measuring around 15-16 cm (6 inches) in length and weighing between 18-25 grams. Males are striking, featuring dark grey to black upperparts, head, and breast band, which sharply contrast with a pristine white throat and belly; a subtle yellowish wash might be present on the flanks or vent. Females exhibit a duller plumage, with greyer upperparts and an off-white to yellowish wash ...
Found in lowland to hill forests, open woodlands, secondary growth, and coastal thickets, often near mangroves or water sources. It inhabits elevations ranging from sea level up to approximately 1,200 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, consuming beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, ants, and other small invertebrates. They also supplement their diet with small fruits and berries, foraging by gleaning and occasional flycatching.
Island Whistlers are diurnal and typically observed alone or in pairs, actively foraging within the understory and mid-canopy. Their primary foraging strategy involves gleaning insects from leaves and branches, though they are also adept at flycatching. Males are highly territorial, defending the...
The Island Whistler is endemic to the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia and the island of Timor, which is divided between Indonesia and East Timor. Its distribution is fragmented across numerous islands, with several recognized subspecies inhabiting distinct locales. The nominate subspecies, P. p...
Least Concern
- The Island Whistler is renowned for its loud, melodious, and often whip-like song, a classic characteristic of the Whistler family. - Despite its common name, it is not strictly confined to small islands, also inhabiting the larger island of Timor, which has both island and mainland characteris...