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Whistlers & Allies

The Pachycephalidae family, consisting of 64 species including whistlers, shrikethrushes, and some pitohuis, is an ancient group of songbirds from Australasia, particularly concentrated in Australia, New Guinea, the South Pacific, and parts of Asia. These birds range in size and are typically found in forests and woodland habitats, with many occupying rainforests. Known for their robust bills and sometimes brightly colored plumage—especially in species like the golden whistler—these birds are also remarkable for their vocal abilities, producing impressive songs that stand out for their volume and complexity. Interestingly, some pitohuis possess toxic feathers, likely as a defense against predators and parasites. The family's diet is primarily insectivorous, but they also consume a variety of other small creatures. They typically forage calmly, gleaning food from leaves and branches, and are predominantly non-migratory. While they tend to be monogamous and nest in pairs, not much is generally known about their breeding habits. Historically, the taxonomy of this group has been revised, with some genera reclassified to other families, illustrating the dynamic nature of bird family classifications.

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A photo of a Australian Golden Whistler (Pachycephala pectoralis) , male

Australian Golden Whistler

Pachycephala pectoralis

Bougainville Whistler

Pachycephala richardsi

Fiji Whistler

Pachycephala vitiensis

Hooded Whistler

Pachycephala implicata

Mangrove Golden Whistler

Pachycephala melanura

Melanesian Whistler

Pachycephala chlorura

Morningbird

Pachycephala tenebrosa

New Caledonian Whistler

Pachycephala caledonica

Oriole Whistler

Pachycephala orioloides

Rennell Whistler

Pachycephala feminina
A photo of a Rufous Whistler (Pachycephala rufiventris) , male

Rufous Whistler

Pachycephala rufiventris

Samoan Whistler

Pachycephala flavifrons

Temotu Whistler

Pachycephala vanikorensis

Tongan Whistler

Pachycephala jacquinoti
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AccentorsAlbatrossesAnhingas, DartersAuksAustral Storm PetrelsAustralasian RobinsAustralasian WarblersBarn OwlsBee-eatersBulbulsBuntingsButtonquailCaracaras, FalconsCardinals & AlliesCettia Bush Warblers & AlliesChats, Old World FlycatchersCockatoosCormorants, ShagsCoursers, PratincolesCrows, JaysCuckoosCuckooshrikesDrongosDucks, Geese, SwansFantailsFinches, EuphoniasFlowerpeckersFrigatebirdsFrogmouthsGannets, BoobiesGrassbirds & AlliesGrebesGuineafowlGulls, Terns, SkimmersHerons, BitternsHoneyeatersHoopoesHornbillsIbises, SpoonbillsJacanasKaguKingfishersKites, Hawks, EaglesKiwisLarksLaughingthrushes & AlliesLeaf Warblers & AlliesLongspurs, Snow BuntingsLoonsMegapodesMockingbirds, ThrashersMonarchsNew World QuailNew World SparrowsNew World WarblersNew Zealand ParrotsNew Zealand WattlebirdsNew Zealand WrensNightjarsNorthern Storm PetrelsOld World ParrotsOld World Sparrows, SnowfinchesOropendolas, Orioles, BlackbirdsOspreysOwlet-nightjarsOwlsOystercatchersPainted-snipesPelicansPenguinsPetrels, Shearwaters, Diving PetrelsPheasants & AlliesPigeons, DovesPittasPloversRails, Crakes & CootsReed Warblers & AlliesRollersSandgrouseSandpipers, SnipesShrikesSkuasStarlings, RhabdornisStilts, AvocetsStitchbirdStone-curlews, Thick-kneesSunbirdsSwallows, MartinsSwiftsTanagers & AlliesThrushesTreeswiftsTropicbirdsTyrant Flycatchers, CalypturaVireos, Greenlets, Shrike-babblersWagtails, PipitsWaxbills, Munias & AlliesWhistlers & AlliesWhite-eyesWhiteheadsWoodswallows, Butcherbirds & Allies

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