The hook-billed bulbul is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is found in eastern Sumatra and Borneo, where its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical swamps. It is threatened by habitat loss. Alternate names for the hook-billed bulbul include the long hook-billed bulbul and long-billed bulbul.
Region
Sundaland (Sumatra and Borneo)
Typical Environment
Occurs in the eastern lowlands of Sumatra and across Borneo (including Kalimantan, Sabah, Sarawak, and Brunei). It favors undisturbed or lightly disturbed tropical moist lowland forests, especially peat-swamp and freshwater swamp forests. Birds also use riverine forest edges and dense secondary growth near wetlands. It is typically a mid-story to canopy forager, keeping to dense foliage. Local presence is patchy where suitable swamp forest persists.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This scarce bulbul is tied to lowland swamp and peat-forest habitats in eastern Sumatra and Borneo, making it highly susceptible to deforestation and drainage. Its notably long, strongly hooked bill helps it pluck soft fruits and pry insects from foliage. It is often shy and inconspicuous, moving quietly through mid-story tangles. Habitat loss is the principal threat across its limited range.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, occasionally joining small mixed flocks in fruiting trees. Nests are thought to be cup-shaped and placed low to mid-level in dense vegetation near wetlands. Breeding behavior is poorly documented, but pairs maintain small territories within suitable swampy forest patches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include soft, fluty whistles interspersed with chattering notes. Calls are not particularly loud and may be given from concealed perches within dense foliage.
