About Pachycephala rufiventris (Latham, 1802)
Rufous whistlers (Pachycephala rufiventris) are stocky birds with large heads, short beaks, and long narrow tails. Their tails are almost as long as the rest of their bodies, ending in sharp, forked tips. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism. Females are typically dull brown or grey, with streaked underbodies. Males have rufous underparts, a predominantly dark-grey back and tail, white throats, and in most cases a black mask that covers most of the head and part of the neck. On average, these birds measure between 16 and 18 centimetres (6.3 and 7.1 inches) in length, and they normally weigh approximately 25 grams (0.88 ounces). The rufous whistler produces a variety of musical calls, which are made up of a long series of ringing notes. The rufous whistler inhabits forested areas, woodland, and shrubland, and can also be found in gardens and farmland. Most populations migrate seasonally, moving south in spring and north in autumn. However, the New Caledonia population of this species is non-migratory, and is resident year-round in open forest and savannah.
