The hooded whistler or Guadalcanal hooded whistler is a species of bird in the family Pachycephalidae. It is found on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. Prior to 2014, the Bougainville whistler was considered conspecific with the Hooded whistler.
Region
Melanesia
Typical Environment
The species is confined to the montane forests of Guadalcanal, where it occupies mid-elevation to upper-elevation habitats. It favors dense, moist forest with a well-developed understory and mid-canopy. Birds are frequently encountered along forest edges, in mossy gullies, and in secondary growth adjacent to primary forest. It is uncommon in lowlands and tends to be most regular above the foothill zone.
Altitude Range
600–1900 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Guadalcanal hooded whistler, it is restricted to the island of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. It inhabits moist montane forests and is part of the diverse golden whistler complex. The Bougainville whistler was split from it in 2014 after taxonomic revision. Males show a distinctive dark hood, while females are much duller and more cryptic.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories within montane forest. Pairs likely form during the breeding season and may remain together for extended periods. The nest is a neat cup placed in low to mid-story vegetation, with small clutches typical of tropical passerines.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers clear, ringing whistles typical of whistlers, often repeated in short phrases. Calls include sharp chips and mellow whistles used for contact between mates and territorial advertisement.
