The Babar whistler is a passerine bird in the family Pachycephalidae that is endemic to the island of Babar which lies at the eastern end of the Lesser Sunda Islands. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of the yellow-throated whistler.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Babar Island, where it inhabits lowland and foothill tropical forests. It uses primary and secondary growth, forest edges, and wooded gardens, often favoring the mid-story and lower canopy. The species forages within dense foliage and along branches, occasionally moving into more open scrub near forest margins. It avoids treeless areas and heavily urbanized zones.
Altitude Range
0–700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Babar whistler is a Pachycephalidae songbird restricted to Indonesia’s Babar Island at the eastern end of the Lesser Sundas. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of the yellow-throated whistler, but differs in voice and subtle plumage. As a single-island endemic, it is potentially sensitive to habitat changes. Its clear, ringing whistles are often heard before the bird is seen in dense foliage.
Temperament
quiet and often secretive, becoming bolder during song
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks in the understory and mid-story. Nests are likely cup-shaped structures placed in shrubs or small trees, as in related whistlers. Pairs defend small territories during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, ringing whistles delivered in short phrases, often repeated from a concealed perch. Calls include sharp contact notes and soft churrs when foraging.
Plumage
Compact whistler with olive-brown upperparts and bright yellow underparts; throat distinctly yellow and clean. Head gray-olive with a faint pale eyebrow; wings darker with subtle edging. Female duller with more buffy tones below and less vivid throat.
Diet
Primarily takes insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and orthopterans, along with spiders and other arthropods. It gleans prey from leaves and branches and occasionally sallies for flying insects. Small berries may be taken opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within dense foliage of forest edges, secondary growth, and the mid-story of evergreen and semi-deciduous forest. Often forages along shaded trails and clearings where prey is more easily detected.
