The chestnut bulbul or chestnut-backed bulbul is a songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. The species was first described by Robert Swinhoe in 1870. It is found in southern China and northern Vietnam. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests; it primarily resides in the canopy.
Region
Southern China and northern Vietnam
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical or tropical moist lowland and foothill forests, favoring mature evergreen and semi-evergreen canopies. It uses forest edges, secondary growth, bamboo thickets, and fruiting trees near clearings. The species typically forages in the mid to upper canopy, descending lower at forest margins and in orchards. It is locally common where intact canopy persists.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the chestnut-backed bulbul, it spends most of its time high in the forest canopy and is often detected by its lively, whistled song. It sometimes joins mixed-species flocks and visits fruiting trees near villages and forest edges. As a frugivore-omnivore, it helps disperse seeds in subtropical forests.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, bounding movements through the canopy
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs during the breeding season and in small groups or mixed-species flocks outside it. Builds a neat cup nest in a shrub or small tree, often well concealed among foliage. Both parents participate in incubation and feeding of nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A lively series of clear whistles, chirrs, and chatter, delivered from mid to upper canopy perches. Calls are sharp and carrying, useful for contact within small groups.
