The bare-faced bulbul is a member of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It was newly described from central Laos in 2009. It is one of the very few Asian songbirds with a bald (featherless) face and is the first new species of bulbul to be described from Asia in almost a century.
Region
Central Indochina (Laotian karst belt)
Typical Environment
Occurs on and around exposed limestone outcrops and cliffs interspersed with dry scrub, open woodland, and bamboo thickets. It uses edges and regenerating secondary growth rather than dense closed canopy forest. Birds are often seen perching on karst pinnacles and foraging in thickets along slopes and valley bottoms. Habitat is patchy and fragmented, closely tied to intact karst formations.
Altitude Range
100–600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Described in 2009 from central Laos, it is notable for its almost featherless, wrinkled facial skin—exceptionally rare among Asian passerines. It favors rugged limestone karst with sparse scrub, making it highly localized. Its restricted range and specialized habitat render it sensitive to quarrying and habitat alteration.
A sketch of bare-faced bulbul
Temperament
wary and somewhat secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick, direct dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly, in pairs, or in small family parties. Likely builds a small cup nest typical of bulbuls in low shrubs or thickets. Territorial during breeding, but may join loose mixed-species foraging groups outside the breeding period.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, mellow whistles and chattering notes typical of bulbuls, delivered from exposed perches on karst outcrops. Calls include sharp contact chips and more musical phrases during the breeding season.
