The cinereous bulbul is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is found in Southeast Asia and Indonesia.
Region
Sundaland, Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Malay Peninsula south into the Greater Sunda Islands, including Sumatra, Borneo, Java and adjacent smaller islands. Most frequently found in lowland and hill evergreen forests, forest edges, and secondary growth. It also visits plantations, gardens, and scrubby clearings near forest. The species tolerates moderate habitat disturbance and can be locally common where fruiting trees are abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The cinereous bulbul is a medium-sized bulbul with an overall ashy-grey appearance and a subtle crest. It thrives in forest edges and secondary growth, often venturing into gardens to feed on fruits. By consuming and dispersing seeds, it plays a role in regenerating disturbed forests. Its flexible diet helps it persist in fragmented habitats across Sundaland.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating hops between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks in the canopy and midstory. Builds a small cup nest in shrubs or slender tree forks; both parents tend the nestlings. Generally monogamous within the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of mellow, whistled phrases interspersed with soft chattering notes. Calls include clear contact whistles and harsher scolds when disturbed.
Plumage
Overall ashy-grey with slightly darker upperparts and paler grey underparts; wings and tail can show a faint olive-brown wash. Throat often slightly paler; small, subtle crest may be raised when alert.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of small fruits and berries, including figs, and supplements its diet with insects and other small arthropods. Will take soft-bodied prey gleaned from foliage and occasionally hawk briefly for flying insects. Opportunistic at fruiting trees and can follow seasonal food availability.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory to canopy along forest edges, secondary growth, and gardens with fruiting trees. Also visits plantations and roadside trees, especially where native fruits are present.
