The black-headed whistler is a species of bird in the family Pachycephalidae. It is found on the Aru Islands and New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
New Guinea and Aru Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests across New Guinea and the nearby Aru Islands. It favors primary and well-developed secondary forest, forest edges, and riverine corridors. Birds typically use the mid-story and lower canopy, moving through densely foliated branches. It tolerates some habitat disturbance but is most frequent where forest structure remains intact.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The black-headed whistler is a New Guinea-region specialist of humid lowland forests, noted for its rich, ringing whistles. Males have a striking black hood that contrasts with bright underparts, while females are duller and more cryptic. It forages methodically through the mid-story, often joining mixed-species flocks. Despite ongoing habitat change in parts of its range, it remains relatively widespread.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen as pairs or family groups defending territories within suitable forest. Builds a neat cup nest suspended in a fork or on a horizontal branch, typically a few meters above ground. Both parents are thought to share incubation and chick-feeding duties, and birds may join mixed-species flocks outside breeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rich, melodious whistles delivered in clear phrases, often repeated and carrying far through forest. Calls include sharp contact notes and scolds when alarmed. Males sing prominently at dawn and during territorial displays.
Plumage
Male shows a glossy black hood and throat with olive-green upperparts and bright yellow underparts; a subtle pale collar may be visible. Female is duller with grey-brown head, olive-brown upperparts, and buff to yellowish underparts with faint streaking.
Diet
Primarily hunts insects and other small arthropods, gleaning from leaves, twigs, and bark. It occasionally sallies a short distance to snatch flying prey. Small fruits or berries may be taken opportunistically but form a minor part of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the shaded mid-story and lower canopy of mature and secondary forest. Often works along edges, river margins, and dense vine tangles where insect prey is abundant.
