The Vanikoro whistler is a passerine bird in the family Pachycephalidae, which is endemic to the southeast Santa Cruz Islands of the Solomon Islands group. The Nendo whistler and Utupua whistler were formerly treated as subspecies. Before the split the combined species were known by the English name "Temotu whistler".
Region
Southwest Pacific (Santa Cruz Islands, Solomon Islands)
Typical Environment
Occurs on Vanikoro in lowland and foothill tropical moist forests, including forest edges and secondary growth. It forages in the understory to mid‑story, often along vine tangles and leafy branches. The species tolerates some habitat modification but is most frequent in continuous forest. It may visit gardens or plantations adjacent to forest for foraging, especially where native vegetation persists.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Vanikoro whistler is confined to Vanikoro in the southeast Santa Cruz Islands of the Solomon Islands (Temotu Province). It was formerly grouped with the Nendo and Utupua whistlers under the name Temotu whistler, but is now treated as a distinct species. Males give clear, ringing whistles that carry through forest understory. It persists in both primary and secondary forests but relies on intact woodland patches.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs within well‑defined territories. Pairs are likely monogamous, maintaining year‑round territories in suitable forest. The nest is typically a neat cup suspended in a fork or vine tangle, with a small clutch.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Clear, ringing whistles delivered in short series, often starting with a sharp introductory note. Calls include sharp chips and softer contact notes used between mates in dense vegetation.
Plumage
Compact whistler with robust build; males show contrasting head and throat with bright underparts, females are duller and more olive-brown with pale buffy underparts. Plumage is cleanly defined with smooth, close‑lying feathers typical of whistlers.
Diet
Primarily hunts insects and other small arthropods gleaned from leaves, twigs, and bark. It occasionally sallies to catch flying insects and may supplement its diet with small berries or fruits when available. Foraging is deliberate, with frequent pauses to scan from low perches.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the understory and mid‑story of moist forest, along edges, and in secondary growth with dense foliage. It often follows vine tangles and shaded trails where insect prey concentrates.
