The yellowish bulbul is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is endemic to the Philippines found only on East Visayas, Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. The birds of the Sulu archipelago are sometimes considered a separate species called the Sulu bulbul. This species is declining due to habitat loss.
Region
Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Eastern Visayas (e.g., Leyte and Samar), across much of Mindanao, and on islands of the Sulu Archipelago. It primarily inhabits lowland and foothill evergreen forest, forest edges, and secondary growth with mature fruiting trees. The species will use degraded habitats if canopy connectivity remains, but prefers well-structured forest. Often forages in the mid-story to subcanopy, sometimes descending to fruiting shrubs.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The yellowish bulbul is a forest songbird confined to parts of the southern Philippines, with birds from the Sulu Archipelago sometimes treated as a separate species (the Sulu bulbul). It tolerates secondary growth and forest edges but declines where lowland forests are heavily cleared. Pairs or small groups are often seen quietly moving through mid-canopy in search of fruit and insects. Its soft, whistled phrases can be overlooked amid louder forest species.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Nests are neat cup structures placed on horizontal branches or in dense foliage. Breeding pairs defend small territories around nest sites while foraging more widely for fruit.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, whistled phrases interspersed with chattering notes, often delivered from mid-canopy perches. Calls include mellow peeps and liquid twitters that carry short distances through forest edges.
