Photo · (c) Donald Davesne, some rights reserved (CC BY)

BirdUp · Species

Rufous Whistler

Pachycephala rufiventris(Latham, 1801)

Least ConcernNative

Order: PASSERIFORMES
Family: Pachycephalidae
Genus: Pachycephala

Conservation: Least Concern
Commonness: Very common
Best seen: Year-round

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

The rufous whistler is a species of whistler found in New Caledonia and Australia. Predominantly a reddish-brown and grey bird, it makes up for its subdued plumage with its song-making ability. Like many other members of the Pachycephalidae, it has a variety of musical calls.

Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

Field specs

Length: 15–18 cm
Weight: 17–52 g
Wingspan: 26 cm

Measurements · avonet · CC BY 4.0

Field tips

behaviour

This species is almost never seen on the ground, preferring to remain perched upright in the mid-to-upper canopy.

plumage

Adult males feature a bright white throat and rufous underparts, separated by a black breast band that extends upward to form a dark facial mask.
Females and immature birds lack the male's bold colors, instead showing dull brownish-grey upperparts and heavy, dark vertical streaking across a pale chest and belly.

size_and_shape

Observe the stocky, 'big-headed' silhouette and a notably long, narrow tail that often appears slightly notched or forked at the tip.

voice

Listen for a vigorous, musical song consisting of rapid, ringing notes that often concludes with an explosive, whip-like 'e-chong'.

02 · Where

Where to find it

Breeding range: Australia and New Caledonia

03 · When

When to look

Months this species is recorded across its Australian range.

04 · Voice

What it sounds like

song · Quality A

James Ray · Faulconbridge, Blue Mountains City Council, New South Wales, Australia

176s

05 · Behaviour

Habits and haunts

06 · Gallery

Plumage up close

2 photos

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