Seicercus whistleri Ticehurst, 1925

Taxonomic Identity and Classification

Whistler's warbler, scientifically known as Phylloscopus whistleri (originally published as Seicercus whistleri Ticehurst, 1925), is a species of leaf warbler in the family Phylloscopidae.

It was formerly grouped with the broader "Old World warbler" assemblage.

Distribution Range

This bird is found across the Indian subcontinent, ranging from the Himalayas to Myanmar.

Habitat

Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, as well as heavily degraded former forest.

Historical Genus Placement

Whistler's warbler was previously classified under the genus Seicercus.

Phylogenetic Study Findings

A molecular phylogenetic study published in 2018 found that neither the genus Phylloscopus nor the genus Seicercus were monophyletic.

Generic Merging

Following this study's findings, the two genera were merged into a single genus, Phylloscopus, which has priority under the rules of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature.

Etymology of Common Name

The species' common name honors the English ornithologist Hugh Whistler, who lived from 1889 to 1943.