The orange-spotted bulbul is a species of songbird in the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is endemic to Java, Bali and Sumatra.
Region
Greater Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Found on the Indonesian islands of Sumatra, Java, and Bali, where it frequents forest edges, clearings, and secondary woodland. It occurs from foothills into montane zones, often near fruiting figs and other berry-bearing shrubs. The species tolerates lightly disturbed habitats and can be seen in plantations and village edges adjacent to forest. It forages from understory to mid-canopy, occasionally descending to feed on fallen fruit.
Altitude Range
300–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The orange-spotted bulbul is a forest-edge specialist that often follows fruiting trees, helping disperse seeds and regenerate native vegetation. It adapts well to secondary growth and gardens near foothill and montane forests. Pairs keep in contact with a varied repertoire of whistles and chatters. It is frequently seen in small groups and sometimes joins mixed-species flocks.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed flocks in fruiting trees. Builds a shallow cup nest in shrubs or small trees, with both parents involved in rearing the young. Territorial singing is common at dawn around breeding sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied series of mellow whistles and rich phrases interspersed with chatters. Calls include sharp chaks and soft contact notes used between pair members. The song carries well along forest edges and clearings.
Plumage
Olive-brown above with paler, slightly grayish underparts and subtle mottling on the breast. Distinct orange spotting on the cheek/ear-coverts gives the species its name. The throat is paler, and the wings and tail show darker brown tones with faint edging.
Diet
Feeds mainly on soft fruits and berries, including figs, and supplements its diet with insects and other small invertebrates. It gleans prey from foliage and snatches small insects in short sallies. By swallowing fruits whole and excreting seeds, it plays an important role in forest regeneration.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages at forest edges, secondary growth, and along trails and clearings where fruiting shrubs are abundant. It uses mid-level perches and moves methodically through the understory and mid-canopy.
