The grey-bellied bulbul is a species of songbird in the bulbul family. It is found on the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs on the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo, mainly in subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests. It frequents primary and well-structured secondary forests, forest edges, and riparian corridors. Birds often forage in the mid-story and canopy, visiting fruiting trees and occasionally degraded habitats if cover remains. It avoids extensively open areas and heavily urbanized landscapes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This bulbul favors intact lowland rainforests but will also visit forest edges and fruiting trees, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks. It forages quietly in the mid-story, making it easier heard than seen. The species is declining due to rapid conversion of Sundaic lowland forests to agriculture, especially oil palm.
Temperament
quiet and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief undulations
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and often associates with mixed-species flocks while foraging. Nests are shallow cups placed in low to mid-level vegetation. Breeding pairs maintain small territories during the breeding season but tolerate neighbors where resources are abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of mellow, whistled phrases interspersed with soft chattering notes. Calls are often delivered from cover and can carry through dense foliage, aiding detection in lowland forest.
