Rufous Whistler

Song & Calls

Rufous Whistler (Pachycephala rufiventris

Male Rufous Whistler singing
Photo Credit: Andrew / Abode Stock

The Rufous Whistler (Pachycephala rufiventris) is a common Australian songbird found in open forests and woodlands throughout mainland Australia and also in New Caledonia.

This song of this species is loud and far-carrying – a mix of strident whistles and fast, complex phrases. Male Rufous Whistlers are especially vocal in the spring and early summer. Their energy to sing during these months is seemingly endless as they call for hours on end. I have even recorded them singing loudly while sitting on the nest!

Listen to Rufous Whistler Sounds

The audio in the video below features the typical song of a male Rufous Whistler. Recorded in Nombinnie Nature Reserve, New South Wales, Australia.

z

Rufous Whistler – Typical Song (male)


 XC340230b This first sample is a typical series of song and calls from a male Rufous Whistler. The song phrases often start with a few softer, single notes which quickly build into a frantic mix of louder notes and end with a fast, repetitive note which falls off in volume before it finishes. This sample was recorded in Wollemi National Park, New South Wales. XC340230

z

Rufous Whistler – ‘Ee-chong’ song variation


 XC340231 In this next recording is another common vocalisation – the ‘ee-chong-chip’ call. Sometimes this call is given without the third note. Recorded in Wollemi National Park, New South Wales.

z

Rufous Whistler – Further song variations


 XC174121 Two variations of the ‘ee-chong’ call. Recorded in Dinden National Park, Queensland.

z

Rufous Whistler – Song with protracted ending


 XC171809 In this recording a typical song phrase ends with a long series of repetitive notes which slows in tempo. Sometimes these repetitive notes can carry on for over 30 seconds. Recorded near Cunnamulla, Queensland.

z

Rufous Whistler – Variety of calls & song


 XC340230a This sample contains a variety of different calls and song. Recorded in Wollemi National Park, New South Wales.

z

Rufous Whistler – Single-note Call


 XC233820 This is a single-note call. Recorded in Pilliga State Forest, New South Wales.

z

Rufous Whistler – Various single-note calls


 XC340227 This sample contains a series of single note calls, with some atypical notes at around 7 seconds. Recorded in Wollemi National Park, New South Wales.

z

Rufous Whistler – Song response to thunder


 XC172004 This final example captures an interesting habit of this species – song in response to loud noises. In this case, a Rufous Whistler can be heard singing in response to a loud clap of thunder. Similar behaviour has been observed in a number of bird species around the world. Recorded at approximately 3am in Dharug National Park, New South Wales.

License Audio

License audio for use in documentaries, film, radio, sound installations and more…

Find out more

Australian Bird Sounds

Other bird calls from the Australian bush:

 

Back to Main 'Wildlife Sounds' Page
Subscribe to my Youtube Channel for More Wildlife Sounds!
Subscribe