The Zamboanga bulbul is a songbird species in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is endemic to the Philippines, where its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forests of Basilan and the Zamboanga Peninsula. It is becoming rare due to habitat loss.
Region
Mindanao region, southern Philippines
Typical Environment
It inhabits tropical moist lowland and foothill evergreen forests, using both primary and well-structured secondary growth. The species favors the midstory to canopy, often along forest edges, ridges, and riparian corridors with dense cover. It can persist in selectively logged forest and regenerating areas if fruiting trees remain, but it avoids heavily degraded or open habitats. Local occurrence is patchy, tracking fruit availability and intact forest patches.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Zamboanga bulbul is a forest songbird endemic to the southern Philippines, historically treated as part of the Philippine bulbul complex but now recognized as a distinct species. It plays an important role as a seed disperser for native trees and also consumes insects, helping control forest pests. It is shy and most often detected by its clear, whistled calls from the midstory and canopy. Ongoing deforestation in Basilan and the Zamboanga Peninsula is the main threat to its persistence.
Illustration by Keulemans, 1881
Temperament
shy but active in the canopy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, direct flights between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and often joins mixed-species flocks in fruiting trees. Nests are small cup-shaped structures placed in shrubs or tree forks, with both adults sharing incubation and chick-rearing. Territorial calling is common during the breeding period.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, fluty whistles interspersed with soft chatters and twitters. Phrases are repeated and can speed up when the bird is excited or interacting with flock mates.
Plumage
Olive-brown to gray-brown upperparts with paler brown underparts and a warmer rufous wash on the throat. Slightly crested appearance with soft, sleek plumage and a relatively long tail. Underparts are plain to lightly washed, with the belly paler.
Diet
Primarily eats small fruits and berries, including figs, drupes, and other soft forest fruits. It also gleans insects and other arthropods from foliage and small branches. Occasional foraging on nectar or flower parts occurs when seasonally available.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory and canopy of intact or lightly disturbed forest, especially at fruiting trees. It frequents edges, clearings with remnant trees, and riparian strips, but rarely ventures into open farmland.
