The sooty-headed bulbul is a species of songbird in the Bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is found in south-eastern Asia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern China and Myanmar through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam to the Malay Peninsula and the Greater Sunda Islands (including Java and Bali). Prefers open woodlands, secondary growth, scrub, plantations, and urban green spaces, but also uses the edges of moist lowland forests. Common around villages and agricultural areas where fruiting trees are present. It tolerates habitat fragmentation better than many forest specialists.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This adaptable bulbul thrives in human-modified landscapes such as gardens, orchards, and city parks, as well as forest edges. Its bright yellow vent and sooty-black head make it easy to distinguish from similar bulbuls. It helps disperse seeds by feeding on a wide variety of fruits. Often seen in pairs or small groups, it remains active and vocal throughout the day.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, low-to-mid level flights
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or family parties, sometimes joining loose mixed flocks around fruiting trees. Builds a small cup-shaped nest in shrubs or low trees; 2–3 eggs are typical. Both parents participate in incubation and feeding of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A lively series of whistles, chattering notes, and scolding calls delivered from exposed perches. The song is variable and repetitive, often interspersed with sharp chips when alarmed.
Plumage
Upperparts are brown to grey-brown with paler underparts; head and crest are sooty-black. The vent is bright yellow, and the tail is dark with neat white tips. Plumage is sleek with slight mottling on the breast in some individuals.
Diet
Feeds on a wide range of soft fruits and berries, including figs and cultivated fruit. Supplements its diet with insects, small invertebrates, flower buds, and nectar. Often takes advantage of seasonal fruiting and can switch to more insect prey when rearing chicks.
Preferred Environment
Forages in forest edges, secondary growth, gardens, orchards, and along roadsides with fruiting shrubs and trees. Frequently visits fruiting figs and ornamental plantings in urban parks.
