The rusty-breasted whistler (Pachycephala calliope, previously Pachycephala fulvotincta), also known as the fulvous-tinted whistler, is a species of bird in the family Pachycephalidae. It is endemic to Indonesia, where it ranges from Java east to Alor and north to the Selayar Islands.
The rusty-breasted whistler is variably considered as either a subspecies of the widespread Australian golden whistler 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.[1] The name 'rusty-breasted whistler' is also used as an alternate name for the rusty whistler. With the transfer of the subspecies calliope from the yellow-throated whistler to the rusty-breasted whistler, on the basis of priority the scientific name changed from Pachycephala fulvotincta Wallace, 1864 to Pachycephala calliope Bonaparte, 1850.[2]
Five subspecies are recognised:[2]
The Selayar whistler (Pachycephala teysmanni) was formerly considered as a subspecies.[2]
Compared to other members of the golden whistler group, the rusty-breasted whistler is relatively small, and males have a white throat and a rust-tinged chest, except in the subspecies teysmanni from Selayar Islands where the plumage of the male is female-like.[1]
It is the westernmost member of the golden whistler group, being bordered to the east by the black-chinned and yellow-throated whistlers, and to the south by the Australian golden whistler.