The Selayar whistler is a species of songbird in the family Pachycephalidae. Described by the Swiss zoologist Johann Büttikofer in 1878, it is endemic to the Indonesian island of Selayar, off the southwestern coast of Sulawesi. After its initial description, it was long considered a subspecies of the golden whistler and later the rusty-breasted whistler, before being raised to species status again in 2016. Selayar whistlers are around 16–17 cm (6.3–6.7 in) in length. Adult males have grey heads, white throats, olive-green upperparts, pinkish underparts, and brownish-olive tail and wing feathers. Adult females are largely similar to males, but have dark ochre lores and rufous ear-coverts. The similar appearances of the sexes in this species helps differentiate it from the rusty-breasted whistler; in that species, males have black-and-yellow plumage, contrasting with the female's olive-brown colouration.
Region
Selayar Islands
Typical Environment
Restricted to Selayar Island off the southwestern coast of Sulawesi, where it occupies primary and secondary lowland forests, forest edges, and wooded gardens. It forages through the understory to mid-canopy, often in tangles and along shaded trails. The species tolerates some habitat disturbance and can persist in secondary growth, but it remains most frequent in semi-natural woodland. Mangrove edges and coastal scrub may also be used locally.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A little-known island endemic, the Selayar whistler was long shuffled between the golden and rusty-breasted whistler complexes before being re-elevated to full species in 2016. Its sexes look quite similar, which helps distinguish it from the nearby rusty-breasted whistler. It gives clear, ringing whistles typical of the family Pachycephalidae and is most often heard before seen in dense foliage.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining territories within suitable patches of woodland. Pairs likely form monogamous bonds for the breeding season. Nests are presumed to be neat, cup-shaped structures placed in shrubs or low trees, as in related whistlers, with both parents participating in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers clear, ringing whistles and short phrases that carry well through forest. Phrases are repeated with slight variation, often interspersed with softer contact notes.
