Lorentz's whistler is a species of bird in the family Pachycephalidae. It is found in the mid-western New Guinea Highlands. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It was originally described as a subspecies of the regent whistler
Region
New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in the mid‑western highlands of New Guinea, primarily in Indonesian Papua. It inhabits subtropical and tropical moist montane forest, especially mossy forest and forest edges. Birds are most frequently encountered in dense mid‑story and along ridgelines where epiphytes and tangles are abundant. It can persist in lightly disturbed secondary forest but is less common in heavily degraded habitats. The species is generally localized by elevation rather than by latitude.
Altitude Range
1200–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Lorentz's whistler is a montane songbird of the New Guinea Highlands, named after the Dutch explorer Hendrikus Albertus Lorentz. It was long treated as a subspecies of the regent whistler but is now recognized as a distinct species. Like other whistlers, it delivers clear, ringing songs that carry through mossy forest. It keeps to mid-elevation forests where it forages methodically in the understory and mid-canopy.
Temperament
shy and retiring
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining territories within suitable elevation bands. Joins mixed-species flocks occasionally when foraging. Nests are typically cup-shaped and placed in dense vegetation; both parents are involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Clear, ringing whistles delivered in short series, often with mellow, fluted notes. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes given while foraging in cover.
