The buff-vented bulbul is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is found in south-eastern Myanmar, south-western Thailand, on the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and nearby islands. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Sundaland
Typical Environment
Occurs in southeastern Myanmar and southwestern Thailand through the Malay Peninsula to Sumatra and nearby islands. It inhabits primary and mature secondary evergreen lowland forests, including peat-swamp and riverine forests. The species forages mostly in the mid-story to subcanopy and frequents fruiting trees at forest edges and clearings. It generally avoids open country and heavily degraded habitats, persisting best where closed-canopy forest remains.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A low-profile forest bulbul, the buff-vented bulbul was split from the former olive bulbul complex, with Bornean birds now treated separately as Charlotte’s bulbul. Its name refers to the warm buff color of the undertail coverts (the “vent”). It often joins mixed-species flocks and helps disperse seeds by eating small fruits. Ongoing loss of lowland rainforest in Sundaland affects its habitat availability.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly, in pairs, or in small family groups; frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Builds a neat cup nest in shrubs or small trees. Both parents participate in incubation and feeding of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, mellow whistles and chatters delivered from within the foliage, often a series of simple phrases. Calls include thin contact notes used to keep in touch while foraging in mixed flocks.
Plumage
Plain olive-brown upperparts with slightly paler olive-gray underparts and a warm buff vent and undertail coverts. The throat is paler and lightly washed, with minimal streaking. Lacks a crest and shows a rather uniform, soft-textured plumage.
Diet
Primarily small fruits and berries, including figs, which it swallows whole and later disperses the seeds. Supplements its diet with insects and other small arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Occasionally takes nectar or soft plant matter when fruit is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid-story and subcanopy of lowland rainforest, especially at fruiting trees. Also uses forest edges and semi-open secondary growth where fruit resources are abundant.
