The cream-striped bulbul is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is endemic to western Sumatra (Indonesia).
Region
Western Sumatra
Typical Environment
Occurs in evergreen hill and lower montane rainforest, frequenting forest interiors, edges, and degraded secondary growth where fruiting trees persist. It uses the midstory and lower canopy, moving through vine tangles and along ridges. The species tolerates lightly disturbed habitat but is most abundant in intact forest. Often forages along forest trails and clearings with fruiting shrubs and figs.
Altitude Range
300–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to the hill and lower montane forests of western Sumatra, this bulbul is more often heard than seen as it forages quietly in the midstory. Its cream streaking helps break up its outline in dappled forest light. By feeding on a variety of small fruits, it plays a role in forest seed dispersal. It sometimes joins mixed-species flocks around fruiting trees.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and occasionally in mixed-species flocks around fruiting trees. Breeding is presumed monogamous, with a cup-shaped nest placed in shrubs or small trees. Typical bulbul clutches are two eggs; both parents likely share incubation and feeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, fluty series of whistles and mellow warbles, delivered from concealed perches. Calls include thin seeps and short chattering notes, often repeated in irregular sequences.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with fine cream streaking on the head and breast; underparts dusky buff to grayish with pale streaks. Lacks a prominent crest; tail medium-length and slightly rounded.
Diet
Takes a variety of small fruits and berries, including figs and melastome fruits, complementing its diet with insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and small orthopterans. Will glean arthropods from foliage and probe into clusters of leaves. Occasionally sally-snatches small flying insects near fruiting trees.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the forest midstory and lower canopy, especially at fruiting shrubs and edge trees. Also uses forest gaps, ridgelines, and lightly disturbed secondary growth where fruit is abundant.
