The scaly-breasted bulbul is a species of songbird in the bulbul family. It is found from the Malay Peninsula to Borneo. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Sundaland, Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Malay Peninsula southward to the island of Borneo, including suitable lowland forest tracts. Prefers primary and mature secondary evergreen forests, especially moist lowland areas and riverine corridors. Often found at forest edges and clearings where fruiting trees are abundant, but generally avoids heavily urbanized zones. Its presence is closely tied to intact canopy and midstory structure.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A canopy-loving songbird of Southeast Asia’s lowland forests, the scaly-breasted bulbul shows a distinctive scale-like pattern across its underparts. It often moves quietly in pairs or small groups and may join mixed-species flocks around fruiting trees. The species is sensitive to forest loss and degradation, which can reduce fruit availability and suitable nesting sites.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly, in pairs, or in small family parties, and it may join mixed-species flocks at fruiting trees. Breeding pairs build a small cup nest in dense shrubs or low trees. Both parents participate in feeding nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers mellow, fluty whistles interspersed with bubbling phrases. Calls include soft chatters and sharp notes given while moving through foliage.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with a contrasting pale underbody overlaid by dark scalloping that creates a scaly appearance. The throat to breast shows the most pronounced scaling, with cleaner flanks and a yellow-tinged vent. Plumage is sleek with slight gloss on the mantle; crest is minimal or absent.
Diet
Primarily takes small fruits and berries, including figs and other soft mast. Supplements its diet with insects and other small arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Occasionally hawks short distances for flying insects and may sip nectar when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory and canopy of lowland evergreen forest and along edges with fruiting trees. Frequently visits forest gaps and river edges where fruit crops are concentrated.
