Red-lored Whistler

The Red-lored Whistler, Pachycephala rufogularis, is a distinctive member of the Pachycephalidae family, which includes whistlers, shrike-thrushes, pitohuis, and their allies. This bird is characterized by its orange or buff face and throat, a grey breastband that extends around the neck and over the head, and rufous underparts with pale yellow or olive edging to the primaries. The male may sometimes exhibit a buff collar. Weighing between 30-38 grams and measuring 19-22 cm in length, the Red-lored Whistler is a bird of modest size. The female is similar in appearance but has a paler throat and underparts with a hint of buff. Both sexes have red eyes and dark bills and legs.

Identification Tips

To identify the Red-lored Whistler, look for the unique coloration of the throat that extends to include the lores and face, a feature that sets it apart from the similar Gilbert's Whistler, which also has a red throat. The females and juveniles of both species are quite similar, but the Red-lored Whistler tends to have a slightly more buff colouring. The bird's cryptic behaviour can make it a challenge to spot, but its distinctive calls can aid in identification.

Habitat

The Red-lored Whistler is found in the low mallee, spinifex, cypress pine, and broombush woodlands of the desert regions of central New South Wales, north-western Victoria, and adjacent south-eastern South Australia. It prefers low mallee woodlands or shrublands with an open canopy and a moderately dense but patchy scrub layer.

Distribution

This bird's range is limited to a small area in New South Wales and a larger area encompassing north-western Victoria and adjacent South Australia. It is most abundant in areas with a post-fire age of 21-40 years.

Behaviour

The Red-lored Whistler is a shy and secretive bird, often difficult to observe due to its cryptic behaviour. It is typically seen perched in trees and shrubs but feeds mostly on the ground. The species is considered sedentary, with some movement possibly occurring after the breeding season.

Song & Calls

The calls of the Red-lored Whistler are described as charming, sweet, wistful, and haunting, with varied notes. These calls are often the best indicator of the bird's presence, as individuals will respond to 'pishing' sounds and may approach the source.

Breeding

The Red-lored Whistler constructs a substantial, cup-shaped nest predominantly from coarse bark and mallee leaves, neatly woven around the rim in low shrubs. It typically lays 2-3 eggs.

Similar Species

The Gilbert's Whistler is the species most similar to the Red-lored Whistler, sharing the same habitat and exhibiting similar behaviour and calls. However, the throat coloration of the Red-lored Whistler, which extends to the lores and face, is a distinguishing feature.

Conservation Status

The Red-lored Whistler is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It faces threats from habitat loss, degradation, fragmentation, grazing by feral animals, inappropriate fire regimes, predation by foxes and cats, catastrophic events like drought and wildfire, and climate change. Current population estimates suggest fewer than 2,000 mature individuals remain, with about half residing in the Riverland Biosphere Reserve. Conservation statuses vary by state, with the bird listed as Critically Endangered in New South Wales, Vulnerable in South Australia, and Threatened in Victoria.