Coracornis raveni
The Maroon-backed Whistler (Coracornis raveni) is a striking passerine bird, endemic to the montane forests of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Measuring approximately 15-17 cm (6-7 inches) in length, this species is characterized by its stout build typical of whistlers. Its most distinctive field mark, giving it its common name, is the rich rufous-maroon coloration on its back, contrasting sharply with olive-green upperparts and a grayish head that extends to the underparts. A clean white throat further...
Exclusively inhabits montane primary and lower montane forest, including mossy forest, typically found at elevations between 1,000 and 2,500 meters above sea level.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, spiders, and other small arthropods, gleaned from vegetation.
Maroon-backed Whistlers are generally observed as solitary individuals or in pairs, often moving deliberately through the mid-story and sub-canopy layers of the forest. They frequently join mixed-species foraging flocks, a common strategy in tropical forests to enhance foraging efficiency and pre...
The Maroon-backed Whistler is strictly endemic to the island of Sulawesi within the Indonesian archipelago, specifically confined to its central and southern mountainous regions. Its primary distribution includes the highland forests of the Latimojong Mountains, Mount Gandangdewata, and other sig...
Least Concern
- The Maroon-backed Whistler is one of only two species in the genus *Coracornis*, the other being the Sula Whistler (*Coracornis tephrogenys*). - Its scientific name, *raveni*, honors the American zoologist H.C. Raven, who collected the type specimen in Sulawesi. - This species is entirely endem...