Bismarck whistler


The Bismarck whistler is a species of bird in the family Pachycephalidae, which is endemic to the Bismarck Archipelago north-east of New Guinea.

Taxonomy and systematics

Prior to 2015, the western whistler was considered as a subspecies of the Australian golden whistler until recognized as a separate species. Some other authorities still consider it to be a subspecies of a wide-ranging golden whistler, but strong published evidence in favour of either treatment is limited, and further study is warranted to resolve the complex taxonomic situation.

Subspecies

Five subspecies are recognized:P. c. citreogasterRamsay, 1876: Found on New Hanover, New Britain and New Ireland P. c. sexuvaria – [Walter Walter Rothschild, 2nd Baron Rothschild|Rothschild, 2nd Baron Rothschild|Rothschild] & Hartert, 1924: Found on St. Matthias Islands P. c. goodsoni – Rothschild & Hartert, 1914: Found on Admiralty Islands P. c. tabarensisMayr, 1955: Found on Tabar Island P. c. ottomeyeriStresemann, 1933: Found on Lihir Island

Description

The males of the Bismarck whistler are white-throated unlike the yellow-throated males of the oriole whistler to the south-east.