The Utupua whistler is a passerine bird in the family Pachycephalidae that is endemic to the island of Utupua in the Santa Cruz Islands of the western Pacific Ocean. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of the Vanikoro whistler. Prior to the split the combined species were known by the English name "Temotu whistler".
Region
Santa Cruz Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Utupua Island, where it inhabits primary and mature secondary rainforest. It uses the lower to mid-level forest strata, foraging among dense foliage and along edges. It can persist in partially disturbed habitats and forest margins, and may visit gardens adjacent to forest. Riparian forest and wooded gullies are also used, provided there is sufficient canopy cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Utupua whistler is a small, forest-dwelling songbird restricted to Utupua Island in the Santa Cruz Islands, Temotu Province. It was formerly treated as part of the Vanikoro whistler complex before being recognized as distinct. Like other whistlers, it has a clear, melodious voice and often reveals its presence by song more than by sight. It likely plays an important role in insect control within its native forests.
Temperament
shy and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining territories in dense forest. Pairs likely form long-term bonds and defend nesting areas during the breeding season. Outside of breeding, individuals may join mixed-species flocks to forage through the mid-story.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers rich, clear whistled phrases with mellow, fluty notes that carry through the forest. Calls include short, sharp contact notes and scolds when agitated.
Plumage
Compact, broad-headed whistler with smooth, neatly groomed plumage; males typically show brighter, cleaner contrasts while females are duller and more olive-brown. Underparts in males are often yellow to yellow-washed with a paler throat; upperparts are olive to grey-olive with a slightly greyer head. Females and immatures are more subdued with buffy or greyish underparts and less contrast. Bill is short and robust with a slightly hooked tip typical of whistlers.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other small arthropods, gleaned from leaves, twigs, and vines. It occasionally sallies to snatch flying insects and may take small fruits or berries opportunistically. Prey is often taken methodically as the bird works through a foraging route in the mid-story.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded forest interiors, along edges, and in secondary growth with sufficient canopy. Often uses vine tangles, saplings, and mid-level branches where insect density is high.
