The brown-breasted bulbul is a songbird in the family Pycnonotidae. The species was first described by John Anderson in 1869.
Region
Southern China and Mainland Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern and central China into northern parts of Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand. It favors forest edges, open woodlands, bamboo and scrub, riverine thickets, and human-modified landscapes such as gardens and plantations. Often found in foothills and lower montane zones, where it perches on exposed branches to forage or sing. It tolerates fragmented habitats and secondary growth, regularly moving through hedgerows and clearings.
Altitude Range
100–2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A medium-sized bulbul, it thrives in forest edges, secondary growth, and even orchards, making it a familiar songbird in parts of southern China and northern Indochina. Its fondness for fruit makes it an important seed disperser, while it also snaps up insects, especially during the breeding season. The species is adaptable and often perches conspicuously to deliver its lively, melodious calls.
Temperament
alert and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief undulations
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups; joins mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season. Builds a shallow cup nest in low shrubs or small trees. Both parents participate in feeding the nestlings and defend the nest with sharp calls.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A bright, melodious series of whistles and chattering phrases delivered from exposed perches. Calls include clear, ringing notes interspersed with softer twitters, often repeated in short sequences.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with a slightly crested crown, brown breast grading to a paler belly, and bright yellow undertail coverts. Throat is pale whitish with subtle darker malar edges; wings and tail are dusky-brown with lighter fringes. The overall appearance is clean and smooth with modest contrast, highlighted by the yellow vent.
Diet
Feeds on a variety of fruits and berries, including figs and other soft, fleshy fruits. Supplements fruit with insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and other small invertebrates, especially during breeding. Occasionally takes nectar and seeds, showing considerable flexibility in food choice.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, in scrub and bamboo thickets, and in orchards or gardens where fruiting trees and shrubs are available. Often moves methodically through mid-level foliage and makes short sallies to pick insects from leaves.
