The Asian red-eyed bulbul is a member of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is found on the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Sundaland, Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs on the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo, primarily in lowland and foothill forests. Favors forest edges, secondary forest, overgrown clearings, gardens, and riverine thickets. Often forages in the mid-canopy but also ventures into the understory where fruiting shrubs are abundant. Tolerant of moderate habitat disturbance and can persist in mosaic landscapes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This bulbul is readily recognized by its vivid red iris, but it can be confused with the Cream-vented Bulbul in parts of Borneo where that species also shows red eyes. It thrives in forest edges and secondary growth and is an important seed disperser for many fruiting trees. Often seen in small groups, it readily joins mixed-species flocks while foraging.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, direct flights between perches
Social Behavior
Commonly seen in pairs or small family groups and frequently associates with mixed-species flocks while feeding. Builds a neat cup-shaped nest in low shrubs or small trees. Both parents typically participate in incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, mellow whistles mixed with chattering notes, delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp chek and tchik notes, with more elaborate phrases at dawn.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with slightly olive tones, paler buff underparts and whitish throat; slight forward-pointing crest. The vent is yellowish to creamy and undertail coverts are pale. Face can appear dusky with subtle mottling.
Diet
Eats a wide variety of small fruits and berries, including figs and melastomes. Supplements its diet with insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and ants, gleaned from foliage and twigs. Occasionally takes nectar or soft plant matter, especially when fruit is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, secondary growth, gardens, and riverine thickets where fruiting plants are plentiful. Often feeds in the mid-story but will descend to the understory to exploit fruiting shrubs.
