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.
Plumage
Olive to olive-brown upperparts with bright yellow underparts; the head is duskier with a slightly darker face and paler throat. Wings and tail are olive-brown with subtle edging. Females and immatures are duller, with more subdued yellow below and browner heads.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects and other small arthropods gleaned from foliage, twigs, and epiphytes. It probes moss and leaf clusters and may sally briefly to take prey flushed from cover. Occasional small fruits or berries are taken, especially when insect activity is low.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the understory to mid-canopy of mossy montane forest, along forest edges, and in gaps with dense vine tangles. Often works methodically along branches and epiphyte-laden trunks.
