The Tenggara whistler, also known as the fulvous-tinted whistler and the rusty-breasted whistler, is a species of bird in the family Pachycephalidae. It is endemic to Indonesia, where it ranges from Java east to Alor and north to the Selayar Islands.
Region
Wallacea (Lesser Sundas and Selayar, Indonesia)
Typical Environment
Occurs from Java eastward through the Lesser Sunda Islands to Alor, and north to the Selayar Islands. It inhabits lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, and secondary growth, and tolerates lightly disturbed habitats and plantations near forest. Birds often use the midstory and subcanopy, moving methodically through foliage in pairs or small family groups. It is locally common where suitable cover and mixed vegetation are present.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A member of the whistler family (Pachycephalidae), the Tenggara whistler is noted for its rich, ringing song that carries through forest edges and secondary growth. Males typically show a distinctive rusty to fulvous breast, while females are duller and more uniformly brownish. It occupies a range of islands in Indonesia and shows subtle plumage variation among island populations. Like many whistlers, it is primarily insectivorous but will also take small fruits.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, sometimes with a dependent juvenile. Pairs maintain territories and communicate with clear whistled phrases. The nest is a small, neat cup placed in a fork or suspended from a branch, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers rich, ringing whistles and clear piping notes, often repeated in short sequences. Calls include sharp chips and mellow, far-carrying phrases that are characteristic of whistlers.
