The ashy-fronted bulbul is a member of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is endemic to Palawan in the Philippines. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forests. Until 2010, the ashy-fronted bulbul was considered as a subspecies of the olive-winged bulbul.
Region
Palawan (Philippines)
Typical Environment
Occurs on the main island of Palawan and nearby satellite islands, primarily in tropical moist lowland forest. It frequents primary and secondary forest, edges, riverine thickets, and overgrown clearings. The species often ventures into bamboo, scrub, and semi-cultivated areas near forest. Its tolerance of secondary growth allows it to remain locally common where some forest cover persists.
Altitude Range
0–1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The ashy-fronted bulbul is a Palawan endemic that was split from the olive-winged bulbul in 2010 based on differences in plumage and vocalizations. It adapts well to disturbed habitats and forest edges, which helps it persist where lowland forests are fragmented. Like many bulbuls, it plays a role in seed dispersal through its fruit-heavy diet.
A specimen from the Naturalis Biodiversity Center
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, and commonly joins mixed-species flocks in the mid-story. Builds a neat cup nest concealed in shrubs or small trees. Typical clutches are small, and both parents participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, whistled phrases interspersed with chattering notes. Calls include sharp chips and mellow, bubbling whistles used for contact within flocks.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with an ashy-grey forecrown and face, pale throat and breast shading to olive-washed flanks, and yellowish undertail coverts. Feathers appear smooth with slight gloss on the upperparts; underparts are cleaner and lightly streaked in some individuals.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small fruits and berries, including figs, and supplements its diet with insects and other small invertebrates. It gleans prey from foliage and twigs and occasionally sallies for flying insects. By consuming fruits, it contributes to seed dispersal across forest edges and secondary growth.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid to upper understory and along forest edges, especially where fruiting trees and shrubs are abundant. Frequently uses secondary forest, riparian thickets, and overgrown clearings near mature forest.
