The Sula golden bulbul is a species of songbird in the bulbul family Pycnonotidae. It is endemic to the Sula Islands in the Philippines. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Eastern Indonesia
Typical Environment
Endemic to the Sula Islands (including Taliabu, Mangole, and Sanana) where it inhabits primary and secondary moist lowland and hill forests. It frequents forest edges, riverine corridors, and regenerating scrub, and will use selectively logged forest. The species forages mostly in the mid- to upper canopy but descends to lower strata where fruiting shrubs are abundant. It can persist in a mosaic of disturbed habitats provided fruiting trees remain available.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Sula golden bulbul is a yellow-olive songbird of the bulbul family (Pycnonotidae), found only on the Sula Islands of Indonesia. It favors lowland and hill forests and often joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Like many bulbuls, it is an important seed disperser thanks to its fruit-heavy diet. Some authorities formerly treated it within a wider “golden bulbul” complex, but it is now recognized as a distinct island endemic.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups and often joins mixed-species flocks moving through the canopy. Builds a small cup nest placed on a horizontal branch or fork; both parents are thought to participate in rearing. Territorial singing occurs from prominent perches within the forest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers clear, fluty whistles and rising phrases, often repeated in short series. Calls include sharp chipping notes used to keep contact within flocks.
