Western Whistler

The western whistler (Pachycephala fuliginosa) is a species of bird in the family Pachycephalidae found in southwest Australia. Prior to 2015, the western whistler was considered as a subspecies of the Australian golden whistler until recognized as a separate species following molecular studies that suggested a closer relationship to the mangrove golden whistler species complex. Male western whistlers exhibit a black head & nape, white throat, black collar, yellow underbelly extending behind its neck. The feathers of the wing are covered with alternating olive and gray linear stripes, with a thin gray tail. The female has a similar body shape with lighter features on its gray head, white underbelly, and brown and gray wing feathers, with a gray tail. There are two subspecies of the whistlers acknowledged in modern research including the: P. f. occidentalis and the P. f. fuliginosa.