The Nendo whistler is a passerine bird in the family Pachycephalidae. It is endemic to Nendö, as well as the Reef and Duff islands in the Santa Cruz Islands of the western Pacific Ocean. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of the Vanikoro whistler. Before the split the combined species were known by the English name "Temotu whistler".
Region
Santa Cruz Islands (Temotu Province), southwestern Pacific
Typical Environment
The species is confined to Nendö and the adjacent Reef and Duff island groups within the Santa Cruz archipelago. It occupies primary lowland rainforest, secondary growth, and forest edge, and can persist in mixed gardens and plantations where tree cover remains. It prefers the lower to mid canopy but will also forage in dense understory. On small islands it can occur close to villages if suitable thickets and mature trees are present.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Nendo whistler is a small passerine of the whistler family (Pachycephalidae) restricted to the Santa Cruz (Temotu) region of the Solomon Islands. It occurs on Nendö (Santa Cruz Island) as well as the nearby Reef and Duff island groups. It was long treated as a subspecies of the Vanikoro whistler, and the broader complex was once called the Temotu whistler.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered as single birds or in pairs holding territories. Pairs are likely monogamous and defend small wooded patches. The nest is a neat, shallow cup placed on a forked branch or in dense foliage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, fluty series of whistled phrases, often repeated from a mid-canopy perch. Calls include sharp chips and mellow whistles used in pair contact and territorial advertisement.
Plumage
Typically a whistler with sturdy build and smooth, compact plumage; males show bright underparts contrasted with darker head and olive upperparts, females duller and more olive-brown with paler underparts.
Diet
Primarily hunts insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and other arthropods gleaned from leaves, twigs, and bark. It will sally short distances to snatch flying insects and occasionally takes small spiders. Some soft fruits and berries may be taken opportunistically, especially when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the lower to middle canopy of forest, edges, and tall secondary growth. Frequently forages along vine tangles, saplings, and outer foliage where prey is accessible.
