About the Australian Golden Whistler
The Australian golden whistler or golden whistler, is a species of passerine bird in the family Pachycephalidae. It is found in forest, woodland, mallee, mangrove and scrub in Australia. Most populations are resident, but some in south-eastern Australia migrate north during the winter. Its taxonomy is highly complex and remains a matter of dispute, with some authorities including as many as 59 subspecies of the golden whistler, while others treat several of these as separate species.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The male has a bright yellow underside and nape, olive-green back and wings, a black head and chest-band, and a white throat. A notable exception is the Norfolk golden whistler (P. p. xanthoprocta) where the plumage of the male is female-like. In Australia females are overall dull brownish-grey, though some have yellowish undertail coverts. Both sexes have a black bill, dark legs and red-brown eyes. For subspecies P. p. contempta, the Lord Howe golden whistler, the male is similar to the male of the nominate race but has a duller yellow below which is slightly tinged with olive.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Australian Golden Whistler sounds like
Where the Australian Golden Whistler lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu.
When to see the Australian Golden Whistler
Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Rufous WhistlerPachycephala rufiventrisRufous whistlers are large-headed and stocky.
Grey WhistlerPachycephala simplexThe grey whistler or brown whistler, is a species of bird in the family Pachycephalidae.
Olive WhistlerPachycephala olivaceaAdult birds are around 18–20 cm (7–8 in) long, and have an overall olive brown plumage with a streaked white throat.
Side by side: Australian Golden Whistler vs Rufous Whistler
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