The Sangihe golden bulbul is a species of passerine bird in the bulbul family Pycnonotidae. It is endemic to the Sangihe Islands which lie northeast of Sulawesi in Indonesia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Sulawesi region (Wallacea)
Typical Environment
Endemic to the Sangihe Islands, mainly on Sangihe Island, where it occupies remaining tracts of moist lowland and lower hill forest. It forages mostly in the midstory to canopy, including forest edges and tall secondary growth. The species may enter mixed agroforests and gardens if large fruiting trees are present, but it is most numerous in native forest. It is closely associated with the Mount Sahendaruman forest block, the island’s last substantial forest remnant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This bulbul is confined to the Sangihe Islands of Indonesia and favors fruiting trees, making it an important local seed disperser. It tolerates some secondary growth and agroforests but declines where tall native forest is removed. Vocal and active in the canopy, it is often detected by its mellow whistles. Habitat loss on Sangihe is the principal threat.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift dashes between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small, loose flocks that move through the canopy following fruiting trees. Often joins mixed-species flocks. Nests are shallow cup nests placed in dense foliage; both parents participate in rearing young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of mellow, whistled phrases interspersed with soft chattering notes. Calls carry well through the canopy and are given frequently during active foraging and at dawn.
