The cream-eyed bulbul is a member of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is endemic to the island of Borneo.
Region
Borneo
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in the lowland and hill forests of Borneo, including primary dipterocarp forest, selectively logged forest, and well-vegetated edges. It forages from the understory to mid-canopy, often around fruiting figs and other native trees. The species tolerates some disturbance and can persist in secondary growth, but is most abundant in intact forest. It may occasionally visit gardens close to forest where fruiting shrubs are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The cream-eyed bulbul was recently split from the cream-vented bulbul and is distinguished by its pale, cream-colored iris. It is endemic to Borneo and can be tricky to identify due to its plain olive-brown plumage, so the eye color and voice are key clues. It frequents fruiting trees and often joins mixed-species flocks in the forest midstory.
Temperament
alert and somewhat shy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and often joins mixed-species flocks when foraging at fruiting trees. Nests are shallow cup nests placed in shrubs or small trees. Both sexes likely share incubation and chick-rearing duties, as in many bulbuls.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a series of clear, whistled notes interspersed with soft chatters. Calls are subtle and can be easily overlooked in dense foliage, but have a mellow, ringing quality typical of bulbuls.
Plumage
Plain olive-brown upperparts with paler, slightly yellow-washed underparts and undertail coverts; smooth, unbarred feathers with a subtly soft texture.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small fruits and berries, especially figs, along with other soft fruits when seasonally available. Supplements its diet with insects, spiders, and other small arthropods gleaned from foliage. May occasionally take nectar or soft plant matter. Foraging is often deliberate, with short sallies to snatch insects.
Preferred Environment
Most often feeds in the forest midstory and subcanopy, concentrating at fruiting trees and along edges or gaps. Will also forage along forest trails and in secondary growth, where fruiting shrubs are common.
