The white-throated Fiji whistler is a species of bird in the family Pachycephalidae, endemic to islands in southern Fiji. It was formerly considered to be conspecific with the yellow-throated Fiji whistler. Before the split the combined species were known as the "Fiji whistler".
Region
Fiji Archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs on forested islands in southern Fiji, primarily in lowland and foothill tropical moist forests. It uses both primary and well-developed secondary forest, and may venture into forest edges and wooded plantations. Birds typically keep to shaded mid-canopy layers but also descend to the understory while foraging. Riparian forest strips and sheltered gullies are frequently used, especially during the heat of the day.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This whistler is part of a complex that was split into white-throated and yellow-throated forms, with the white-throated Fiji whistler confined to the southern islands. The crisp white throat is the key field mark, contrasting with olive upperparts and yellow underparts. It is a forest gleaner that forages methodically in the midstory and understory. Its clear, ringing whistles are often heard long before the unobtrusive bird is seen.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs within defended territories, especially during the breeding season. Pairs build cup-shaped nests concealed in dense foliage, with both adults contributing to care. Outside of breeding, they may join mixed-species flocks briefly while foraging but remain relatively inconspicuous.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, ringing whistles, often delivered from a concealed perch and repeated at regular intervals. Phrases are mellow and fluty, carrying well through dense forest. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes between mates.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a clean white throat that contrasts with bright yellow underparts; wings and tail are olive with subtle edging. The head shows a faint dark lores/eyeline and a slightly paler grayish cheek; females are duller with more washed underparts. The plumage is smooth and unpatterned aside from the throat contrast.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects and other arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders gleaned from leaves, twigs, and bark. It occasionally takes small fruits and berries, especially when insect prey is less abundant. Foraging is deliberate, with short sallies to snatch flushed prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded midstory and understory of humid forest, along forest edges, and in sheltered gullies. It also works through vine tangles and the outer foliage of trees, sometimes following mixed flocks to capitalize on disturbed prey.
