Charlotte's bulbul is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is found on Borneo in its natural habitat of subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Borneo
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout suitable lowland and foothill forests on Borneo, including primary evergreen and peat-swamp forests. It also uses selectively logged and mature secondary forest but is most common in intact habitat. Typically forages in the mid- to upper canopy and along forest edges with fruiting trees. It is generally absent from heavily fragmented or urbanized areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Charlotte's bulbul is a canopy-dwelling songbird endemic to Borneo, where it favors undisturbed lowland forests. It was once lumped with the buff-vented bulbul but is now widely treated as a distinct species. Habitat loss in Borneo’s lowlands poses the main threat, particularly from logging and conversion to plantations.
Temperament
quiet and somewhat secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between canopy gaps
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or in small family groups; often joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Breeding pairs build a small cup nest suspended in foliage, with both sexes participating in care. Territorial during breeding season but tolerant around rich fruiting trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, fluty whistles interspersed with brief chattering notes. Calls are understated and can be easily overlooked amid louder canopy species.
