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.
Plumage
Bright yellow underparts with olive-yellow to olive-green upperparts and slightly darker wings and tail; plumage is smooth and largely unpatterned.
Diet
Primarily takes soft fruits and berries, including figs and other native fruits, acting as a seed disperser. Supplements its diet with insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and twigs. May occasionally sip nectar or take small invertebrates during fruit shortages.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the midstory and canopy of primary and tall secondary forest. Also visits forest edges, fruiting trees in agroforests, and large shaded gardens when available.
