Rennell whistler explained

The Rennell whistler (Pachycephala feminina) is a species of bird in the family Pachycephalidae, which is endemic to the Rennell Island in the Solomon Islands. It was split from the Bismarck whistler by the IOC in 2016.^[1]

Taxonomy and systematics

It has been variably considered a subspecies of a widespread golden whistler (P. pectoralis) or treated as a separate species, but strong published evidence in favour of either treatment is limited, and further study is warranted to resolve the complex taxonomic situation.^[2]

Status

The Rennell whistler is assessed as Near Threatened by the IUCN due to its small population and habitat loss within a restricted range.

Notes and References

1. IOC World Bird List 6.3. IOC World Bird List Datasets. 10.14344/ioc.ml.6.3. free.
2. Boles, W. E. (2007). Golden Whistler (Pachycephala pectoralis). pp. 421-423 in: del Hoyo, J.; Elliot, A. & Christie, D. eds (2007). Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 12: Picathartes to Tits and Chickadees. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona.