The Palawan bulbul or grey-throated bulbul is a species of songbird in the family Pycnonotidae. It is endemic to Palawan Island in the Philippines. Its natural habitats are tropical moist lowland forests and tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Palawan and nearby islands (Calamian group), Philippines
Typical Environment
This species inhabits tropical moist lowland and lower montane forests, including primary forest, secondary growth, forest edges, and along streams. It tolerates selectively logged areas where fruiting trees and dense understory remain. Birds forage from understory to mid-canopy, often following fruiting figs and shaded forest gaps. Occurrence is patchier in heavily cleared lowlands but it persists where forest mosaics survive.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Palawan bulbul, also called the grey-throated bulbul, is confined to the Palawan faunal region of the Philippines. It frequents both primary and secondary forests and adapts well to forest edges and riverine growth. Pairs or small groups often join mixed-species flocks while foraging. Its mellow, whistled phrases can carry through dense foliage.
An illustration by Keulemans
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, often joining mixed-species flocks in the mid-story. Builds a small cup nest suspended in shrubs or small trees. Both parents participate in nest defense and feeding. Territorial during breeding but tolerant at fruiting trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of mellow, fluty whistles interspersed with soft chattering notes. Calls include clear, rising phrases that carry through forest understory.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with slightly warmer brown wings and tail; underparts paler with a contrasting grey throat and upper breast that can appear washed or lightly streaked. The belly is buffy to pale olive, and the feathers have a soft, slightly loose texture typical of bulbuls.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of small fruits and berries, especially figs and other native fruiting trees. Supplements fruit with insects and other small arthropods gleaned from foliage and branches. Will occasionally hawk short distances for flying insects and probe into clusters of leaves for caterpillars.
Preferred Environment
Forages in forest edges, clearings, and along riparian corridors where fruiting plants are abundant. Most activity occurs from the understory to mid-canopy, frequently at fruiting trees.
