Black-chinned Whistler
Pachycephala mentalis
A chunky, thick-billed songbird from the Moluccas. Unmistakable male shows a black head, a yellow collar, a conspicuous white throat, a black chest line, and vibrant yellow underparts. Female is subdued, with a grayish head, a paler throat, and yellow-washed underparts. Juveniles resemble female, but are washed with rufous. Pairs and singles can be found in forest, edge, scrub, and mangroves from lowlands to hills, but are typically most abundant at higher elevations. Female’s yellow wash on the underside separates her from Obi and Drab Whistlers, and olive-toned upperside further differentiates her from Drab Whistler. Calls include a soft “chow-chow-chow,” sometimes terminating in a whipping “chee-wee-CHOW!”
Identification
The black-chinned whistler is the northernmost member of the golden whistler group, being bordered to the south by the yellow-throated whistler. The black-chinned whistler is relatively large, and males are white-throated, have an incomplete black chest-band (only distinct in the center of the chest; does not connect to the black head) and a small black chin (lacking in Obi Islands).
Taxonomy
It is variably considered a subspecies of the Australian golden whistler or treated as a separate species, but strong published evidence in favour of either treatment is limited, and further study is warranted to resolve the complex taxonomic situation.<p>Three subspecies are recognized:
- Scientific name
- Pachycephala mentalis
- Authority
- Wallace, 1863
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pachycephalidae
- Genus
- Pachycephala
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Grosbeak Weaver
Amblyospiza albifrons
A large dark weaver with a massive bill. The male is brown with a dark bill and a white dash on the forehead and wing. The female has a pale bill and is heavily streaked underneath. Pairs are resident, breeding in wetlands and rank areas adjacent to well wooded groves and forest; flocks form in the non-breeding season. The species feeds on fruit and insects in the canopy and on the forest floor. The song is a rapid high-pitched warble that includes multiple sputtering trills, for example “pit-pit-pit-pit chweeer-kuuuurrrr”.
Ringed Woodpecker
Celeus torquatus
This striking Celeus is widespread across the Amazonian lowlands of northern South America, with a disjunct population in southeast Brazil. Overall rufous with a shaggy crest like most other members of the genus. Distinctive and unlikely to be confused. Some variation across the range: most have extensive black markings on upperparts and belly, but largely unmarked in the northeastern part of range. All birds have solid black breast. Sexes are similar, but males have a red mustache. Occurs in mature forest and edges, often detected by its series of loud, strident whistles.
Green White-eye
Zosterops stuhlmanni
A small, sharp-billed warbler-like bird that is saturated with yellow. Note the yellow underparts, olive-yellow back, and bold white spectacles around the eyes. Found in forest, scrub, gardens, moist woodland, and plantations, usually in hyperactive flocks that can contain many individuals. Often joins mixed flocks with other small birds. Most common call is a high-pitched rising rattle. Song is a quiet, chatty sequence of “chew” notes. Similar to Northern Yellow White-eye, but slightly darker and greener, and usually separated by range and habitat. Also similar to Pale White-eye, but usually separated by range; shows more yellow above the bill, is more richly-colored overall, and prefers moister habitats.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.