The Seram golden bulbul is a species of songbird in the family Pycnonotidae. It is endemic to the Moluccas. Until recently, it was considered conspecific with the northern golden bulbul and the Buru golden bulbul. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Maluku Islands, Indonesia
Typical Environment
Occurs primarily on Seram and adjacent islets in the southern Moluccas, frequenting lowland and foothill evergreen forest. It uses both primary and mature secondary forest, and sometimes visits forest edges and fruiting trees near villages. Birds forage from the mid-story into the canopy, moving through dense foliage and along vine tangles. It is less common in heavily degraded habitats but can persist where substantial tree cover remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Seram golden bulbul is a canopy-loving songbird of the Maluku Islands, where it plays an important role in dispersing seeds of native fruiting trees. It was formerly lumped with other 'golden bulbul' taxa but is now treated as a separate species. Its bright, whistled phrases carry through dense forest, often revealing birds that remain hidden in foliage. Although tolerant of some secondary growth, it depends on forest cover and is sensitive to extensive habitat loss.
Temperament
alert and somewhat shy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, and commonly joins mixed-species flocks while foraging in the canopy. Builds a small cup nest placed in dense foliage. Both parents participate in feeding nestlings. Territorial song is delivered from mid to upper canopy perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, sweet whistles and liquid phrases, often repeated and carrying far through the forest. Calls include sharp chips and scolding chatter when alarmed.
Plumage
Bright yellow underparts with olive-yellow to olive-brown upperparts; wings and tail slightly darker with subtle edging. Plumage appears smooth and uncrested, giving a sleek profile in the canopy.
Diet
Takes a variety of small fruits and berries, including figs, and supplements its diet with insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and bark. Will hawk briefly for flying insects when abundant. Seasonal shifts in fruit availability influence local movements and flocking with other frugivores.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the mid-story and canopy of lowland and foothill forest, along forest edges, and at fruiting trees. Occasionally descends to lower levels along gaps, streams, and clearings.
