The green-backed whistler or olive-backed whistler, is a species of bird in the family Pachycephalidae. It is endemic to the Philippines. Its natural habitats are tropical moist lowland forest and tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs on larger northern and central Philippine islands, primarily Luzon and Mindoro. It inhabits primary and mature secondary tropical moist forests, from lowlands to montane zones. Birds are most often found in interior forest, along ridges, and in mossy forest at higher elevations. It forages in the mid-story and canopy, occasionally visiting forest edges and clearings but rarely open country.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The green-backed whistler, also called the olive-backed whistler, is a forest songbird in the whistler family Pachycephalidae, found only in the Philippines. It frequents both lowland and montane evergreen forests and often joins mixed-species flocks. Its clear, melodious whistles carry far through dense vegetation. Despite habitat loss in parts of its range, it is not currently considered at high risk.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs within territories, and commonly joins mixed-species flocks in the mid-story. Nests are neat cup-shaped structures placed in forks or on horizontal branches. Pairs maintain close contact with whistles while foraging and defend suitable forest patches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers clear, flute-like whistles in short phrases that rise and fall melodically. Notes are rich and ringing, often repeated from a concealed perch and carrying far through dense forest.
