Brown-backed whistler

The brown-backed whistler (Pachycephala modesta) is a species of bird in the family Pachycephalidae endemic to New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.

Taxonomy and systematics
The brown-backed whistler was originally described in the genus Poecilodryas.

Subspecies
Three subspecies are recognized:
 * P. m. hypoleuca – Reichenow, 1915 : Originally described as a separate species. Found in east-central New Guinea
 * P. m. modesta – (De Vis, 1894) : Found in southeast New Guinea
 * P. m. telefolminensis – Gilliard & LeCroy, 1961 : Found in central New Guinea