The yellow-throated whistler, or Banda Sea whistler, is a species of bird in the family Pachycephalidae. It is endemic to central and south-eastern Wallacea, where it ranges from Timor east to the Tanimbars and north to Seram and Banggai. The oriole whistler is sometimes alternatively called the yellow-throated whistler, leading to confusion between both species.
Region
Wallacea (central and south-eastern Indonesia)
Typical Environment
Occurs on multiple islands from Timor east to the Tanimbar group and north to Seram and the Banggai Islands. It inhabits tropical moist lowland and hill forests, secondary growth, and forest edges, and can appear in well-wooded gardens on smaller islands. Birds forage from the understory to mid‑canopy, often in dense foliage. It tolerates some habitat disturbance but remains tied to areas with continuous tree cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the Banda Sea whistler, this species is restricted to islands of central and south‑eastern Wallacea. Its plumage varies subtly among islands, but males typically show a bright yellow throat that gives the species its name. The common name is sometimes confused with the oriole whistler of the Solomons, which is a different species. Its clear, fluty song carries far through forest understory.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining year‑round territories. Pairs are likely monogamous, building a small cup nest in a forked branch or vine tangle. Outside breeding, it may loosely accompany mixed-species flocks while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rich, fluty whistles delivered in clear phrases, often repeated from a concealed perch. Calls include sharp chips and scolds when alarmed.
Plumage
Males show a bright yellow throat and underparts with olive-green upperparts and a darker face; females are duller olive-brown with a paler, often whitish or yellow-washed throat. Both sexes have a robust, slightly hooked bill and relatively plain wings. Subtle island-to-island variation occurs in tone and extent of yellow.
Diet
Takes a wide range of arthropods including beetles, caterpillars, spiders, and other insects gleaned from leaves, twigs, and bark. It also consumes small berries and other soft fruits, especially when insect prey is less abundant. Occasionally sallies to catch flying insects.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the understory to mid‑canopy of primary and secondary forest, along edges, and in wooded gardens. Often searches methodically among dense foliage and vine tangles.
