The Tongan whistler is a species of bird in the family Pachycephalidae.
Region
Polynesia
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Tonga archipelago, primarily in lowland and coastal broadleaf forest, wooded plantations, and secondary growth. It uses forest edges, thickets, and gardens with substantial tree cover. Birds forage from the understory to mid-canopy, often in dense foliage. They tolerate some habitat modification but rely on areas with continuous shrubs and trees.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Tongan whistler is an island songbird of the family Pachycephalidae, found only in Tonga. It favors lowland forests and second-growth thickets where its rich, ringing whistles carry far. It has at times been treated as a subspecies of the Golden Whistler but is now widely recognized as a distinct species. Like other whistlers, it is an active foliage-gleaner that helps control insect populations.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs that maintain territories year-round. Pairs build neat cup nests in forks or dense foliage, and both sexes contribute to care. Often joins mixed-species flocks at forest edges outside the breeding peak.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, mellow whistles and ringing phrases, often repeated from a concealed perch. Calls include sharp chips and scolds given while foraging.
Plumage
Robust, compact whistler with a stout, slightly hooked bill; males show a contrasting dark hood with bright yellow to golden underparts, females duller olive-brown above with paler buffy underparts.
Diet
Primarily eats insects and other small arthropods gleaned from leaves, twigs, and bark. It occasionally hawks short distances to snatch flying prey. Small fruits and berries may be taken opportunistically, especially when insect availability is low.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the understory to mid-canopy of forest, edges, and overgrown plantations. Frequently searches dense foliage, vines, and saplings, moving methodically between perches.
