The Red-Lored Whistler (Pachycephala rufogularis) is similar, in many respects, to the Gilbert Whistler, to which it is clearly related, and from which it must be distinguished: the range of the Red-lored Whistler falls entirely within that of the Gilbert Whistler. The two species share the same habitat, behaviour and even many calls. John Gould, who described both species, was not familiar with the Gilbert Whistler: this is surprising, as the path that he travelled took him through areas where the Gilbert Whistler is not uncommon. It is possible that, in the absence of specimens, even Gould confused the two species.

Distribution

The Red-lored Whistler is generally restricted to the “Big Desert” or “Ninety-mile Desert” country of south-eastern South Australia

South Australia

South Australia is a state of Australia in the southern central part of the country. It covers some of the most arid parts of the continent; with a total land area of , it is the fourth largest of Australia's six states and two territories.South Australia shares borders with all of the mainland...

 and western Victoria

Victoria (Australia)

Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....

, but which is now regularly observed north of the River Murray (at Gluepot Reserve

Gluepot Reserve

Gluepot Reserve is a 540 km2 nature reserve established by Birds Australia in 1997 by the purchase, through a public appeal, of Gluepot Station, a pastoral lease in the semi-arid mallee region of South Australia...

, South Australia

South Australia

South Australia is a state of Australia in the southern central part of the country. It covers some of the most arid parts of the continent; with a total land area of , it is the fourth largest of Australia's six states and two territories.South Australia shares borders with all of the mainland...

) and at Round Hill Nature Reserve in outback New South Wales

New South Wales

New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...

, and has been recorded from Pinkawillinnie Conservation Park (near Kimba, Eyre Peninsula

Eyre Peninsula

Eyre Peninsula is a triangular peninsula in South Australia. It is bounded on the east by Spencer Gulf, the west by the Great Australian Bight, and the north by the Gawler Ranges. It is named after explorer Edward John Eyre who explored some of it in 1839-1841. The coastline was first explored by...

), and in the vicinity of Adelaide

Adelaide

Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia and the fifth-largest city in Australia. Adelaide has an estimated population of more than 1.2 million...

, from where the type specimen was allegedly collected. In every case, the habitat is Mallee Woodland.

The species has long been regarded as sedentary, but one, probably two records from near Adelaide (from where it is unlikely to be overlooked, and very distant from the remainder of its known range) suggest that movements do occur.

Behaviour

The presence of the Red-lored Whistler is most often revealed by its calls, which are sweet and varied, but may not always be strong. While it is often seen perched in trees and shrubs, it feeds, for the most part, on the ground, and may be quite difficult to find. Individuals will respond to “pishing”, and will approach a “pisher”.

Conservation status

The Red-lored Whistler is at some risk, as its range is limited and its habitat subject to summer bushfires. Large parts of its range are protected, as National Parks and other reserves.

Red-lored Whistlers are listed as vulnerable on the Australian Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 is an Act of the Parliament of Australia that provides a framework for protection of the Australian environment, including its biodiversity and its natural and culturally significant places...

. However, their conservation status also varies from state to state within Australia. For example:

• The Red-lored Whistler is listed as threatened on the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (1988). Under this Act, an Action Statement for the recovery and future management of this species has not yet been prepared.

• On the 2007 advisory list of threatened vertebrate fauna in Victoria, the Red-lored Whistler is listed as endangered.