The Bougainville whistler or Bougainville hooded whistler, is a species of bird in the family Pachycephalidae. It is found on Bougainville Island, east of New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. The Bougainville whistler was split from the Hooded whistler in 2014.
Region
Northern Solomon Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs primarily in subtropical to tropical moist montane forests on Bougainville Island, using ridges, slopes, and mature secondary woodland. It favors dense mid‑elevation forest but will also appear along forest edges, gullies, and mossy thickets. The species is typically associated with closed canopy and complex understory structure, where it forages quietly. It is absent from lowland coastal habitats and heavily degraded open areas.
Altitude Range
300–1800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This island whistler is confined to Bougainville Island in the northern Solomon Islands region and was elevated to full species from the Hooded Whistler complex in 2014. Males deliver clear, far‑carrying whistles that help locate them in dense montane forest. Like other whistlers, it often forages methodically through mid‑story foliage and occasionally joins mixed-species flocks.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, holding territories in mid‑ to upper‑elevation forest. During breeding, pairs build a neat cup nest placed in a fork or suspended from slender branches. Both sexes participate in nest defense and care for young. Outside breeding, it may loosely associate with mixed flocks but remains relatively inconspicuous.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, mellow whistles delivered from concealed perches, often repeated in steady phrases. Calls include sharp chips and softer contact notes used between pair members.
Plumage
Compact whistler with a contrasting hooded pattern in males and duller, more uniform tones in females. Upperparts are olive to olive‑green with clean yellow underparts; the head and upper breast of males are dark, creating a distinct hooded look. Females are olive‑brown above with paler yellowish underparts and a less contrasting face.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other small arthropods gleaned from leaves, twigs, and mossy bark. It inspects vine tangles and epiphytes and will occasionally sally a short distance to snatch prey. Small fruits may be taken opportunistically, especially when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the forest mid‑story and lower canopy, especially along edges of trails, ridgelines, and natural gaps. Uses dense foliage and lianas where prey is abundant and cover is good.
