20 |
Rufous Whistler |
Sightings
In 2004 we have seen Rufous Whistlers occasionally in Jack's Creek State Forest, 25 km south of Narrabri, New South Wales. In the following years found there regularly.
Also sighted on a trip to the east of the dividing range, in the area from Armidale to Dorrigo, New South Wales.
In 2005 we had two resident Rufous Whistlers. One had declared the trees of the property where we lived its territory, the competition sat just 100 m south, on the edge of Jack's Creek State Forest. The audience was pleased with the ensuing song contest... Previously seen only in summertime, but then again in June and August of 2006. This is related to the fact that during the winter the birds are quieter.
Also seen and heard occasionally in the area 20-30 km east of Narrabri in 2007 and 2008. Found in close proximity to their cousins, the Golden Whistler.
Photos
Lateral view of a male Rufous Whistler 20 km south of Narrabri, New South Wales (click on image for larger version)
Frontal view of a male Rufous Whistler in a tree 20 km south of Narrabri, New South Wales
Lateral view of a female Rufous Whistler (click on image for larger version)
Immature(?) Rufous Whistler in a tree 20 km west of Narrabri, New South Wales (click on image for larger version)
Fledgling Rufous Whistler(?) spotted in 2005 (click on image for full-size display)
Immature Rufous Whistler(?) spotted in 2006 (I)
Immature Rufous Whistler(?) spotted in 2006 (II)
Nest
The nest shown below was seen 50 km east of Narrabri, NSW, in December 2007.
Female Rufous Whistler on its semi-transparent nest (click on image for larger version)
Habits
Male Rufous Whistlers compete against each other for territory and the favour of females by means of an elaborate display contest. They puff themselves up to impress their opponents, bob their bodies and chase each other through shrub.
Male Rufous Whistler trying to impress a competing male (click on image for larger version)