White-vented Whistler
Pachycephala homeyeri
Warm brown above and white below with a faint cinnamon wash near the “shoulders” that give it a “vested” appearance. Can be similar to Negros Jungle-Flycatcher, which is generally found at higher altitudes. Look for a combination of longer, smaller-headed profile, and incomplete, diffuse breast band in present species. Found from the central Philippines south to islands off Borneo’s northeastern coast, where it inhabits lowland to submontane forests. Frequently moves with mixed flocks, often in lower levels of forest, but can be found up into the canopy. Gives high, thin, clean-sounding whistles as well as various warbled and whistled notes.
Identification
The white-vented whistler (Pachycephala homeyeri) is a species of bird in the family Pachycephalidae. It is found in the southern Philippines and a few islands of Malaysia. Its natural habitats are tropical moist lowland forest and tropical moist montane forest.
Taxonomy
The alternate name 'white-bellied whistler' should not be confused with the species of the same name, Pachycephala leucogastra. Formerly, some authorities considered the white-vented whistler to be a subspecies of the mangrove whistler.<p>Three subspecies are recognized:
- Scientific name
- Pachycephala homeyeri
- Authority
- (Blasius, W, 1890)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pachycephalidae
- Genus
- Pachycephala
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Spot-breasted Woodpecker
Colaptes punctigula
Attractive medium-sized woodpecker, golden-olive overall with bold black spotting on body and wings. Striking face pattern with red nape, black forecrown, white cheek, and checkered throat. Males also show red mustache; sexes otherwise similar. Widespread but usually uncommon; found in a variety of open forested habitats and edges, including scrubby second growth and gardens. Most frequently heard call is a series of peeping notes, “pi-pi-pi-pi-pi-pi-pi-pi.”
Blue-fronted Fig-Parrot
Nannopsittacus gulielmitertii
A small, short-tailed parrot of lowland forest, forest edge, and lush gardens. Mostly found at low elevations, and sometimes up into the hills. Green body with dark blue in the wing, black forecrown and cheek, and a pale line separating the cheek, crown and bill. Males have an orange breast, while females have orange behind the dark cheek patch. Usually found in small groups. Most similar to Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, but Blue-fronted has blackish instead of red forecrown and cheek, and an orange breast. Calls, a sharp, high-pitched “tsik!” or excited twittering which often betrays their present in a tree.
Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush
Pterorhinus treacheri
Attractive and often confiding laughingthrush, often found around lodges and trails. Endemic to Borneo’s highlands, where it can be one of the most frequently-encountered birds in montane forest and forest edge. Note dark chestnut head, gray body, bright orange bill, and bright silvery wing stripe. Pale crescent behind eye gives it a cartoonishly large-eyed appearance. Hops on the ground and along branches, often with small mammals and other birds, particularly Sunda Laughingthrush. Song, often heard at dawn, is a series of repetitive, rising, mellow warbles. Calls include a harsh buzzing “churrrrr” and rattling notes.
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