Golden Whistler (Lord Howe Is. subsp.) - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Pachycephala pectoralis contempta

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Profile last updated: 11 Mar 2025

Description

The male bird has a black head and face, with a broad yellow collar. The throat is white with a black band below. The breast and belly are bright yellow. In contrast, the female bird has olive-grey upperparts and is grey under, with a yellowish tinge. The Lord Howe subspecies differs from the mainland subspecies by its broader yellow collar on the male, a yellowish-grey belly on the female, and both sexes have a stouter bill.

Distribution

This bird is found only in the forests of Lord Howe Island, ranging from sea level to the mountain tops.

Habitat and ecology

Widely distributed in the forests of the main island. It is often seen feeding around houses throughout the settlement area.
These birds hop from branch to branch looking for insects, spiders and insect larvae. They also forage in the leaf litter.
Breeding occurs from September to January, producing two pale, spotted eggs.
The nest is an open cup-shaped structure made up of palm fibre, vines and leaves and lined with grass.
The population is estimated to be between 100-1000 pairs.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Clearing of lowland forest areas.
Possible competition for food resources from the introduced Blackbird and Song Thrush.
Potential for introduction of non-native invertebrates (eg Fire/Crazy Ant).
Risk of extinction due to small population size.
Invasion of habitat by introduced weeds.
Direct predation on eggs and chicks and competition or destruction for food resourcesby rats.
Risk of extinction due to restricted distribution.

Recovery strategies

Priority actions are the specific, practical things that must be done to recover a threatened species, population or ecological community. The Office of Environment and Heritage has identified 3 priority actions to help recover the Golden Whistler (Lord Howe Is. subsp.) in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Assist with the control of introduced weeds in areas of habitat.
Protect lowland forest habitat from clearing.
Monitor the status of populations.
Implement and monitor the quarantine plan.
Investigate the impact of the introduced Blackbird and Song Thrush on the Lord Howe Island Golden Whistler.
Research into ecology of the species to provide information to assist in its conservation.

Information sources

Hutton, I. (1991) Birds of Lord Howe Island Past and Present.
NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW) (2007) Lord Howe Island Biodiversity Management Plan

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Ocean	South Pacific Ocean	Known	None
Pacific Subtropical Islands	Lord Howe Island	Known	None

Images

Lord Howe Island Golden Whistler
Enlarge image

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