BirdUp · Species
Rufous Whistler
Pachycephala rufiventris(Latham, 1801)
Updated
- Order
- PASSERIFORMES
- Family
- Pachycephalidae
- Genus
- Pachycephala
At a glance
The Rufous Whistler is a small bird, about 15–18 cm long, listed as Least Concern and native to Australia. It can be seen year-round.
- Size
- 15–18 cm
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
- Origin
- Native
- Best seen
- Year-round
- Commonness
- Very common
01 · Identification
How to tell it apart
What does a Rufous Whistler look like?
The Rufous Whistler is a small bird, about 15–18 cm long and weighing 17–52 g.
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
03 · When
When to look
When can you see a Rufous Whistler?
The Rufous Whistler is present across its Australian range year-round, so it can be seen in any month.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
04 · Voice
What it sounds like
What sound does a Rufous Whistler make?
Recordings of the Rufous Whistler on BirdUp feature its song.

song · Quality A
James Ray · Faulconbridge, Blue Mountains City Council, New South Wales, Australia
Call
Peter Crowcroft · Anglesea VIC 3230, Australia
Call
Will Cornwell · Bungwahl NSW 2423, Australia
Call
Tim · Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia
05 · Behaviour
Habits and haunts
What does a Rufous Whistler eat?
The Rufous Whistler feeds on terrestrial invertebrates, usually foraging in pairs or alone.
06 · Gallery
Plumage up close
2 photos
The BirdUp app
Log your next Rufous Whistler in the field
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