Rusty-breasted whistler

The rusty-breasted whistler (Pachycephala calliope, previously Pachycephala fulvotincta), also known as the fulvous-tinted whistler, is a species of bird in the family Pachycephalidae. It is endemic to Indonesia, where it ranges from Java east to Alor and north to the Selayar Islands.

Rusty-breasted whistler
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Pachycephalidae
Genus: Pachycephala
Species:
P. calliope
Binomial name
Pachycephala calliope
Bonaparte, 1850
Synonyms
  • Pachycephala pectoralis fulvotincta

Taxonomy and systematics

edit

The rusty-breasted whistler is variably considered as either a subspecies of the widespread Australian golden whistler or treated as a separate species, but strong published evidence in favour of either treatment is limited, and further study is warranted to resolve the complex taxonomic situation.[2] The name 'rusty-breasted whistler' is also used as an alternate name for the rusty whistler. With the transfer of the subspecies calliope from the yellow-throated whistler to the rusty-breasted whistler, on the basis of priority the scientific name changed from Pachycephala fulvotincta Wallace, 1864 to Pachycephala calliope Bonaparte, 1850.[3]

Five subspecies are recognised:[3]

The Selayar whistler (Pachycephala teysmanni) was formerly considered as a subspecies.[3]

Description

edit

Compared to other members of the golden whistler group, the rusty-breasted whistler is relatively small, and males have a white throat and a rust-tinged chest, except in the subspecies teysmanni from Selayar Islands where the plumage of the male is female-like.[2]

Distribution and habitat

edit

It is the westernmost member of the golden whistler group, being bordered to the east by the black-chinned and yellow-throated whistlers, and to the south by the Australian golden whistler.

References

edit
  1. ^ BirdLife International (2016). "Pachycephala fulvotincta". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T103693410A104302859. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T103693410A104302859.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b Boles, W. E. (2007). Golden Whistler (Pachycephala pectoralis). pp. 421-423 in: del Hoyo, J.; Elliot, A. & Christie, D. eds (2007). Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 12: Picathartes to Tits and Chickadees. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. ISBN 978-84-96553-42-2
  3. ^ a b c Gill, Frank; Donsker, David; Rasmussen, Pamela, eds. (August 2024). "Whiteheads, sittellas, Ploughbill, Australo-Papuan bellbirds, Shriketit, whistlers". IOC World Bird List Version 14.2. International Ornithologists' Union. Retrieved 20 September 2024.