The Obi golden bulbul is a species of passerine bird in the bulbul family Pycnonotidae. It is found in Obi in Indonesia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
North Maluku (Maluku Islands), Indonesia
Typical Environment
Restricted to Obi Island, where it occupies subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests. It is most common in evergreen primary forest but also uses secondary growth, forest edges, and selectively logged areas. Birds often forage in the mid to upper canopy, visiting fruiting trees and vine tangles. It may occur locally in riparian corridors and along ridgelines where fruit resources are concentrated.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A member of the bulbul family (Pycnonotidae), the Obi golden bulbul was formerly lumped within a wider 'golden bulbul' complex before being recognized as a distinct island endemic. It inhabits Obi Island in Indonesia, where it frequents fruiting trees and helps disperse seeds. The species tolerates lightly disturbed and secondary forest but is most numerous in intact lowland rainforest.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups and often joins mixed-species flocks when foraging. Likely monogamous with cup-shaped nests placed in shrubs or small trees. Both sexes probably share in parental care, as in many bulbuls.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, fluty whistles interspersed with soft chattering notes. Phrases are repeated in short bursts, most prominently at dawn and early morning.
Plumage
Olive-green to olive-brown upperparts with bright golden-yellow underparts; wings and tail slightly duskier with pale edging. Head plain without a crest, giving a sleek, smooth appearance. Plumage can appear warmer yellow in good light.
Diet
Consumes a mix of small fruits and berries, often visiting fruiting figs and other canopy trees. Also takes insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and twigs. Will hawk short distances for flying insects and may probe into leaf clusters and vine tangles.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the mid to upper canopy of lowland rainforest, along forest edges, and in secondary growth. Frequently attends fruiting trees and follows mixed-species flocks through the canopy.
