The Mindoro bulbul is a songbird species in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is endemic to Mindoro in the Philippines. Its natural habitats are tropical moist lowland forests and tropical moist montane forests. It was formerly considered a subspecies of Philippine bulbul but was recognized as a distinct species in 2010.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs solely on Mindoro Island, where it inhabits tropical moist lowland and montane forests, including forest edges and secondary growth. It frequents mid- to upper-canopy layers, moving through fruiting trees and thickets. The species can persist in logged or regenerating forest, though it is most numerous in intact habitats. It also uses riparian corridors and mixed agroforest mosaics where native trees remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to Mindoro Island in the Philippines, this bulbul was long treated as a subspecies of the Philippine bulbul before being recognized as a distinct species in 2010. It is a key seed disperser for many native forest plants, moving between fruiting trees and secondary growth. The species tolerates edges and some degraded habitats but remains closely tied to forested landscapes.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick canopy dashes
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks while foraging. Monogamous pairs build neat cup-shaped nests in shrubs or small trees. Breeding occurs during the wetter months when fruit and insect abundance is higher.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of rich, fluty whistles interspersed with chatters and scolding notes. Phrases are variable and repeated, often delivered from mid-canopy perches at dawn and in the late afternoon.
Plumage
Mostly olive-brown above with paler, slightly buff-washed underparts and a subtly grayer head. Feathers are smooth with a slight, often raised crest on the crown. The throat is paler, blending into lightly streaked or mottled breast in some individuals.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small fruits and berries, including figs and other native forest fruits. Supplements its diet with insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and orthopterans gleaned from leaves and bark. Occasionally takes nectar and soft plant material. Acts as an important seed disperser by passing viable seeds through its gut.
Preferred Environment
Forages in mid- to upper-canopy fruiting trees, at forest edges, and in secondary growth with dense fruiting shrubs. Will also feed along riparian corridors and in mixed agroforestry where native fruiting trees persist.
