A Rufous Whistler (Pachycephala rufiventris) was snapped by the Land for Wildlife coordinator at Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary, while on a trip with the Alice Springs Field Naturalists Club. Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Australia’s largest non-government protected areas, covering 262,000 hectares. Newhaven is renowned as a key arid zone bird watching destination. Supporting 170 species of birds, the property was originally purchased by Birdlife Australia before being transferred to the Australian Wildlife Conservancy in 2006.

Considered as one of Australia’s fanciest songsters, the Rufous Whistler has a variety of calls which consist of a series of ringing notes. Described by Birdlife “The song is characterised by repeated whip-cracks interspersed with a variety of whistles and trills given at various volumes, rhythms and tempos”. Two types of call from the male can be seen in the video.

Are you interested in taking part in Newhaven’s annual bird survey from 11-25 March 2017? Get in touch with the Newhaven Bird Survey Coordinator (0437549301; puffin_54@hotmail.com) to express interest.