The regent whistler is a species of bird in the family Pachycephalidae. It is endemic to the highlands of New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical and tropical moist montane forests across the central and western highlands of New Guinea. Favors mossy forest, forest edges, and secondary growth with dense midstory. Often forages along ridgelines, in vine tangles, and among epiphyte-laden branches. Typically keeps to interior and mid-elevation zones but can move into disturbed montane habitats where cover remains.
Altitude Range
1200–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The regent whistler is a New Guinea highland songbird noted for its clear, ringing whistles. It often joins mixed-species flocks as it forages through mossy montane forest. Several subspecies vary slightly in tone and brightness of yellow underparts. Though unobtrusive in the understory, it is frequently heard before it is seen.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick darting flights through understory
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining territories in dense montane forest. During breeding, pairs build a neat cup nest placed in shrubs or small trees. Frequently associates with mixed-species flocks outside of breeding season, moving methodically through midstory foliage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, ringing whistles delivered at measured intervals, often rising or falling slightly in pitch. Calls include sharp chips and mellow whistled notes used to maintain contact in dense cover.
Plumage
Olive to grey-olive upperparts with bright yellow underparts and a paler throat; plumage appears clean and smooth with slight gloss on the head. Subtle facial mask with darker lores and a faint pale eyebrow in some populations. Undertail coverts and belly are rich yellow; wings and tail are dusky with olive edging.
Diet
Primarily takes insects and other small invertebrates such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders gleaned from leaves, bark, and epiphytes. Will occasionally sally out to snatch flying prey and hover-glean from foliage. Small berries and other soft fruits are taken opportunistically, especially when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages in midstory and lower canopy of mossy montane forest, along forest edges, and within gaps. Frequently works through epiphyte mats, vine tangles, and along shaded ridgelines where insect activity is high.
