The puff-backed bulbul is a species of songbird in the family Pycnonotidae. It is the only species placed in the genus Euptilotus. It is found on the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo. Alternate names for the puff-backed bulbul include the crested brown bulbul and puff-backed brown bulbul. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Sundaland, Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo, primarily in undisturbed lowland evergreen and peat-swamp forests. Prefers dense undergrowth, vine tangles, and mid-storey layers near forest streams and edges. It also uses selectively logged forests but is less common there. Typically avoids open areas and higher montane zones, remaining in mature lowland habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The puff-backed bulbul is the sole member of the genus Euptilotus, notable for the ability to raise the feathers on its nape into a distinctive 'puff'. It inhabits Sundaic lowland forests and is sensitive to logging and forest fragmentation. Often shy, it is more easily detected by its mellow, fluty calls than by sight.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or in small family groups. Frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks in the forest mid-storey. Builds a small cup nest in dense vegetation; likely monogamous during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of mellow, fluty whistles interspersed with soft chattering notes. Calls are often given from concealed perches and carry through dense foliage.
Plumage
Mostly warm brown to olive-brown above with paler, buffy underparts and a slightly whitish throat. Feathers on the hindcrown and nape can be raised into a conspicuous puff or crest. The face is subtly darker with faint streaking and soft edging on the ear coverts.
Diet
Takes a mixed diet of small fruits and berries, especially figs, and supplements with insects and other small invertebrates. Forages by gleaning from leaves and twigs and occasionally by sallying short distances to catch flying prey. Will follow mixed flocks to exploit disturbed insects and fruiting trees.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the forest mid-storey and lower canopy, especially along edges of clearings, stream margins, and fruiting trees. Often keeps to dense vine tangles and shaded understory where it remains partially concealed.
