Red-lored Whistler
Pachycephala rufogularis
The Red-lored Whistler (Pachycephala rufogularis) is a rare whistler found only in Australia, weighing about 37 g. The red-lored whistler is one of nine species of whistler occurring in Australia and a member of the family Pachycephalidae which includes whistlers, shrike-thrushes, pitohuis and allies.
About the Red-lored Whistler
The red-lored whistler is one of nine species of whistler occurring in Australia and a member of the family Pachycephalidae which includes whistlers, shrike-thrushes, pitohuis and allies. The limited range of this endemic bird of the Mallee woodland in one small area in New South Wales and another, larger area encompassing north-western Victoria and adjacent South Australia has seen it listed nationally as vulnerable.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The male has an orange/buff face and throat, a grey breastband extending around the neck and over the head and rufous underparts with pale yellow/olive edging to primaries. Some males are reported having a buff collar. The female is similar but with paler throat and underparts, with a hint of buff. The eye is red, and bill and legs are dark. They weigh 30–38 g (1.1–1.3 oz) and have a length of 19–22 cm (7.5–8.7 in). Voice: The presence of the red-lored whistler is most often revealed by its calls, which are described as charming, sweet, wistful and haunting with varied notes. Individuals respond to 'pishing' and will approach a 'pisher'.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, with peak activity in October. It is a passage migrant species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Red-lored Whistler?
- The male has an orange/buff face and throat, a grey breastband extending around the neck and over the head and rufous underparts with pale yellow/olive edging to primaries. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Red-lored Whistler?
- The Red-lored Whistler is a small sized bird weighing about 37 g.
- Where can you see a Red-lored Whistler?
- The Red-lored Whistler is endemic to Australia, which is the only country where it occurs.
- What birds look similar to a Red-lored Whistler?
- The Red-lored Whistler is most easily confused with the Sclater's Whistler, the Sulphur-vented Whistler and the Drab Whistler.
- Is the Red-lored Whistler endangered?
- The Red-lored Whistler is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Red-lored Whistler for real
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