The drab whistler is a species of bird in the family Pachycephalidae. It is found in the Maluku Islands. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Maluku Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, including primary rainforest and well-developed secondary growth. It uses forest edges, riverine strips, and selectively logged areas if sufficient canopy and midstory remain. Typically forages from the understory to the mid-canopy, keeping close to dense foliage. It generally avoids open habitats and higher montane zones.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This unobtrusive whistler spends much of its time in the shaded understory, where it is more often heard than seen. Its clear, fluting whistles betray its presence and give the whistler family their name. As an insect hunter, it helps control forest insect populations. It is restricted to the Maluku Islands of Indonesia.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories within forest. It may join mixed-species flocks while foraging but remains inconspicuous. The nest is a small cup placed in forks or dense foliage; both parents are involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, fluted whistles that rise and fall, often delivered from a shaded perch. Calls include soft contact notes and sharper chips when alarmed. The song carries well through dense forest, especially at dawn.
Plumage
Plain, drab olive-brown upperparts with a greyer head and nape; paler, buffy underparts with a slightly whitish throat. Feathers appear smooth and unpatterned, giving an overall subdued look.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects and other small arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs and occasionally hawks short distances to snatch flying insects. Small fruits or berries may be taken opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the understory and midstory of mature and secondary forests, along edges, and in vine tangles. Often works methodically through dense foliage and along branches.
