White-headed bulbul

Overview

Wikipedia

The white-headed bulbul is a songbird species in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae.

Distribution

Region

Mainland Southeast Asia and southern China

Typical Environment

Occurs patchily in southern China (e.g., Yunnan) and parts of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It favors evergreen and semi-evergreen forest edges, secondary woodlands, and bamboo thickets. Often found along forested hillsides, river valleys, and light gaps where fruiting trees are abundant. Uses mid-canopy perches and forages from understory to mid-levels.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1800 m

Climate Zone

Subtropical

Characteristics

Size18–20 cm

Wing Span25–30 cm

Male Weight0.028 kg

Female Weight0.03 kg

Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The white-headed bulbul is a forest-edge specialist, easily recognized by its striking white head contrasting with a darker body. It often travels in small, noisy groups and frequents fruiting trees and bamboo stands. Habitat loss and fragmentation in Southeast Asia are its primary threats.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with quick undulating movement

Social Behavior

Often seen in small flocks outside the breeding season, keeping contact with soft calls while moving between fruiting trees. Breeding pairs build neat cup nests in shrubs or small trees. Both adults typically participate in incubation and feeding of the young.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Song is a series of bright, whistled phrases interspersed with chatters. Calls include sharp contact notes and scolding chatter when disturbed.

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Identification

Leg Colordark grey

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Clean white head and throat contrasting with dusky-olive to grey-brown upperparts and paler underparts; feathers appear smooth with minimal streaking.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Feeds primarily on small fruits and berries, including figs and other soft, pulpy species. Supplements with insects and other small invertebrates, especially during the breeding season. Occasionally gleans from foliage or snatches prey in short sallies. Will join mixed-species flocks at abundant food sources.

Preferred Environment

Forages at forest edges, in secondary growth, and in bamboo or scrubby clearings where fruiting trees are common. Also visits orchards and wooded gardens near suitable habitat.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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