Rufous Whistler

About the Rufous Whistler

The rufous whistler (Pachycephala rufiventris) 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.

The rufous whistler was originally described in the genus Sylvia by the English ornithologist John Latham in 1801. It was subsequently classified within the genera Turdus, Laniarius, and Lanius before being classified in its present genus, Pachycephala. Alternate names for the rufous whistler include the rufous-bellied whistler and white-bellied whistler. The latter name should not be confused with the species of the same name, Pachycephala leucogastra. Some authorities have considered the black-headed, drab, and cinnamon-breasted whistlers to be subspecies of the rufous whistler.

Five subspecies are recognized: P. r. minor – Zietz, FR, 1914: Found on Melville and Bathurst Islands (off northern Australia) P. r. falcata – Gould, 1843: Originally described as a separate species. Found in northern Australia

P. r. pallida – Ramsay, EP, 1878... Wikipedia →