The Cachar bulbul is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is found in north-eastern India and south-eastern Bangladesh. The Cachar bulbul was considered as a subspecies of the olive bulbul until it was split off and re-classified as a separate species by the IOC in 2017.
Region
Northeast India and Southeast Bangladesh
Typical Environment
Occurs in the lowland and foothill evergreen and semi-evergreen forests of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and adjacent areas, extending into southeastern Bangladesh (e.g., Sylhet/Chattogram regions). It favors dense, humid broadleaf forest, forest edges, and well-vegetated ravines. Birds are most frequently encountered in the mid-story to canopy, where they move through vine tangles and fruiting trees. It also persists in secondary growth and older tea-garden shade forests if sufficient canopy cover remains.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Split from the Olive Bulbul complex by the IOC in 2017, the Cachar bulbul is a canopy-dwelling songbird of humid forests. It often joins mixed-species flocks and can be inconspicuous despite its bright, olive-yellow tones. Its presence is a good indicator of relatively intact lowland and foothill evergreen forest.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive, but active in the canopy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches; agile sallying in canopy
Social Behavior
Typically found singly, in pairs, or in small parties, and frequently joins mixed-species flocks with other bulbuls and babblers. Builds a neat cup-shaped nest suspended in foliage or forked twigs. Breeding is thought to occur in the pre-monsoon to monsoon period in its range.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of mellow, whistled phrases interspersed with soft chattering notes. Calls include thin chips and sweet, upslurred whistles, often repeated from concealed perches.
