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.
