The Penan bulbul is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is found in Borneo, typically in the mid-storey of broad-leaved evergreen and rainforests up to 1500 metres elevation.
Region
Borneo (Sundaland)
Typical Environment
Occurs across the island of Borneo in primary and mature secondary broad-leaved evergreen and hill dipterocarp forests. Most frequently found in the shaded mid-storey, along forest edges, ridges, and near streams. It may persist in selectively logged forests where sufficient mid-canopy structure remains. Typically avoids open areas and heavily degraded habitats. Often moves with mixed flocks through contiguous forest tracts.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Penan bulbul is a forest songbird of Borneo’s evergreen rainforests, where it keeps mainly to the mid-storey. It often joins mixed-species flocks while foraging, which helps reduce predation risk and improves feeding efficiency. Its mellow, whistled phrases can carry through dense foliage but it is more often heard than seen. Habitat loss from logging and conversion of lowland forests is a potential concern.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides through mid-canopy
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small family groups. Regularly joins mixed-species foraging parties moving along the mid-storey. Builds a neat cup nest in shrubs or small trees, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of mellow, fluty whistles delivered at a measured pace, often rising and falling gently. Calls include soft chups and liquid notes used to keep contact within pairs or flocks.
Plumage
Soft, fairly plain plumage with olive-brown upperparts and warm buff to ochre underparts; throat slightly paler and lightly streaked. Head shows subdued greyish or olive tones with a faint, pale eyering and a hint of a moustachial line. Tail and wings are dusky with paler edging; overall impression is of a neat, muted forest bulbul.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of small fruits and berries along with insects and other small arthropods. Will glean prey from foliage and twigs and may sally short distances to snatch fluttering insects. Fruit from understory and mid-canopy plants forms an important part of the diet, particularly when seasonally abundant.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the shaded mid-storey of primary and older secondary rainforest, often along edges, gaps, or near fruiting trees. Frequently participates in mixed flocks, moving methodically through dense foliage.
