The Togian golden bulbul is a species of passerine bird in the bulbul family Pycnonotidae. It is endemic to the Togian Islands in Indonesia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Wallacea (Central Indonesia)
Typical Environment
Found only on the Togian Islands off central Sulawesi, where it inhabits subtropical to tropical moist lowland forests. It prefers the mid-story to canopy of evergreen forest but may use secondary growth and forest edges when fruiting trees are present. It is most frequently encountered in interior forest patches with a continuous canopy. In coastal zones it may visit wooded gardens and plantation edges, provided tall trees remain. Movements are local within islands, tracking fruit availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This island-restricted bulbul is part of the 'golden bulbul' complex, with several close relatives on nearby island groups. It plays a key role in seed dispersal by consuming fruits of native trees. Because it is confined to a small archipelago, it can be sensitive to habitat loss and fragmentation. It is typically active and vocal, often joining small mixed-species flocks in the canopy.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small family groups, and may join mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Nests are typically cup-shaped structures placed in shrubs or small trees. Both parents likely participate in nest building and chick rearing. Territories are defended with vocal displays and short chases.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A lively series of clear whistles and chatters, often delivered from mid-canopy perches. Calls include sharp contact notes and scolding chatter when disturbed.
Plumage
Upperparts olive to olive-brown with a softer, slightly glossy texture; underparts bright yellow to golden-yellow with cleaner tones on the belly and vent. Wings and tail are darker olive-brown, creating contrast with the yellow underparts. Head is plain without a crest, with subtly paler lores and a fine, faint eye-ring.
Diet
Consumes a variety of small fruits and berries, including figs and other native forest fruits. Supplements its diet with insects and other small invertebrates gleaned from foliage and twigs. Will opportunistically take nectar or soft-bodied arthropods when available. Its fruit-eating habits make it an important local seed disperser.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the mid- to upper canopy of moist lowland forest. Also feeds along forest edges and in secondary growth where fruiting trees remain. Occasionally descends to lower levels to exploit accessible fruiting shrubs.
