A Rufous Whistler in the garden

Rufous Whistler (juvenile)

Rufous Whistler (juvenile)

Over the last few days we have been enjoying the beautiful song of a Rufous Whistler in our garden. The whistlers are aptly named – their songs would be amongst the most beautiful in all of the Australian birds.  I enjoy hearing this species calling just outside my ofice window at home. Unfortunately they are not here every day. It is an added bonus when they do decide to visit.

We also get visited by the Golden Whistler. The male of that species is not only a wonderful songster, he is also very beautiful.

Rufous Whistler (juvenile male)

Rufous Whistler (juvenile male)

Golden Whistler (male)

Golden Whistler (male)

Golden Whistler

Golden Whistler (male)

Golden Whistler (male)

Over the last few days we have been hearing several whistlers in our garden. Yesterday afternoon I finally obtained a good view of the male Golden Whistler – in all his beautiful plumage. All afternoon he had been calling, one of the delights of having this species in our garden.

As I observed him another whistler was skulking in the foliage nearby. I didn’t have my binoculars with me, and I only saw a silhouette of this second bird, but it certainly looked like a female. The male seemed to be calling to her and also displaying his best side to the female.

Golden Whistler (female)

Golden Whistler (female)