The streak-breasted bulbul is a songbird species in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae.
Region
Central Visayas, Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs in remaining tracts of lowland and foothill forests, as well as secondary forest and forest edge. It utilizes dense understory and midstory strata, often near fruiting trees. The species persists in fragmented habitats but relies on patches with adequate canopy cover. It may enter scrub and regenerating areas adjacent to primary forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The streak-breasted bulbul is a medium-sized songbird of the Philippines, noted for fine streaking across its pale underparts. It prefers forest edges and secondary growth, where it forages quietly in pairs or small groups. Ongoing habitat loss in the Visayas has made this species of conservation concern.
Romblon bulbul
A stuffed specimen of the nominate subspecies from the Naturalis Biodiversity Center
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through forest gaps
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks when foraging. Builds a small cup nest in shrubs or low trees, using plant fibers and leaves. Both parents are thought to participate in rearing the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, whistled phrases interspersed with chattering notes, often delivered from mid-canopy cover. Calls include thin, ringing contact notes used to keep in touch while foraging.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with a slightly darker head and ear coverts; underparts pale with fine, distinct streaking across the breast and flanks. Tail and wings are dusky with olive edging; throat paler with fine streaks.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small fruits and berries, including figs when available. Supplements its diet with insects, caterpillars, and other small invertebrates gleaned from foliage. May take nectar or soft plant matter opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Forages in midstory to subcanopy near fruiting trees and along forest edges. Frequently uses secondary growth and scrub adjacent to forest patches.
