Bulbuls of Asia (Pycnonotidae)

Order Passeriformes  family  Pycnonotidae

Bulbuls are a family of medium-sized songbirds belonging to the passerine group. Many of the forest species within this family are commonly called greenbuls. These birds are frequently found in woodlands, gardens, and forests across much of Africa, extending into the Middle East, tropical Asia, Indonesia, and as far north as Japan.

While most species known as “bulbuls” are found in Asia, a few can be found in Africa. It is important to note that all species referred to as “greenbuls” are exclusively native to Africa.

Bulbuls are slender birds with short necks. They typically have long tails and short, rounded wings. Nearly all species’ bills are slightly elongated and have a slight hook at the tip. Bulbuls vary from 5.1 to 11.4 inches (13 cm to 29 cm).

Generally, males and females are similar, although females tend to be slightly smaller. Some species have soft, colorful plumage featuring yellow, red, or orange on their vents, cheeks, throats, or supercilia. However, most species are drab, displaying shades of olive brown to black plumage. Species with dull-colored eyes often have contrasting eye rings, and some display distinct crests.

Bulbuls are highly vocal birds, often heard more than they are seen. The calls of most species are described as nasal or gravelly. Their diverse diet includes fruits, seeds, nectar, small insects, other arthropods, and even small vertebrates. Generally, bulbuls tend to form monogamous pairs.

1. Genus Acritillas

1.1. Yellow-browed Bulbul (Acritillas indica)

Formerly, Yellow-browed Bulbuls were classified in the genus Iole as two separate species. Still, a study determined that this species is exceptional and is now placed in the monotypic genus Acritillas.

Description: Yellow-browed Bulbuls are uncrested bulbuls with slightly decurved bills. They have greenish-yellow upper parts and prominent yellow eyebrows, while their underparts are entirely yellow. Their bills and legs are black, their eyes are reddish-brown. Both sexes have similar appearances, although females are slightly duller in color.

• Length – Average 7.87 in (20 cm)
• Weight – 0-95-1.20 oz (27-34 g)

Habitat: Yellow-browed Bulbuls inhabit humid areas within evergreen forests, including secondary forests and plantations. They are often found in gardens, particularly shaded coffee plantations.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Yellow-browed Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Yellow-browed Bulbuls are endemic to peninsular India and Sri Lanka. They occur in moist forests of the Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats, and the central Highlands of Sri Lanka.

2. Genus Alcurus

2.1. Striated Bulbul (Alcurus striatus)

Striated Bulbuls were originally described in the genus Tricophorus (a synonym for Criniger), and it was later transferred to Pycnonotus before their latest reassignment to Alcrus.

Description: Striated Bulbuls are large birds characterized by their long tails and prominent, bushy crests. Their upper parts are olive green, while their tails are browner at the tips. Their heads, ear coverts, and mantles are greenish-brown with fine white streaks. They also have yellow lores, chins, throats, and eyerings.

Striated Bulbuls have dark gray breasts that transition to olive green on their bellies, adorned with large, pale striations. Their eyes are dark brown, and their bills and legs are blackish. Both sexes appear the same.

• Length – 8.27-9.06 in (21-23 cm)
• Weight – 1.59-2.12 oz (45-60 g)

Habitat: Striated Bulbuls inhabit foothill evergreen and deciduous broadleaf forests and are often seen at the edges.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Striated Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Striated Bulbuls are found in Bhutan, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam.

3. Genus Alophoixus

3.1. Gray-cheeked Bulbul (Alophoixus bres)

Description: Gray-cheeked Bulbuls are large birds with short, brown crests. Their upper parts are mostly brownish olive. The uppertail-coverts are chestnut-brown, and the wing coverts are mainly olive-brown. Their lower parts are pale yellow, with white chins and throats. Their irises are red-brown, their maxillae are slate black, their mandibles are blue-grey, and their legs and feet are a yellowish-pink. Males and females are similar in many respects, but females are generally smaller.

• Length – 7.5-9.1 in (19-23 cm)
• Weight – 1.02-1.55 oz (29-44 g)

Habitat: Gray-cheeked Bulbuls are found in primary, secondary, and sub-montane forests at low to middle elevations.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Gray-cheeked Bulbuls as Endangered (EN) because the species is exploited for the caged bird trade.

Distribution: Gray-cheeked Bulbuls are found in Java and Bali.

3.2. Gray-throated Bulbul, also Palawan Bulbul (Alophoixus frater)

The Gray-throated Bulbul was once considered a subspecies of the Gray-Cheeked Bulbul.

Description: Gray-throated Bulbuls are medium-sized birds known for their flattened, bushy brown crests. Their upper parts are olive green, while their underparts are yellow. Their wings and tails are brown. They have gray cheeks, eyebrows, lores, white throats, and chins. Their bills are quite robust, with the maxillae being blackish at the base and transitioning to pearl-grey at the tip. Their mandibles are entirely pearl-grey, and their eyes are chestnut in color. Additionally, their legs and feet have a yellowish flesh color. Both males and females look quite similar.

• Length – Average 8.66 in (22.7 cm)
• Weight – No information available

Habitat: Gray-throated Bulbuls inhabit lowland forests, forest edges, and secondary growth, rarely venturing into open areas.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Gray-throated Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Gray-throated Bulbuls are endemic to Palawan Island in the Philippines.

3.3. Ochraceous Bulbul (Alophoixus ochraceus)

Description. Ochraceous Bulbuls are noisy and easily recognizable birds, characterized by their erect, spiky, brown crests. They have large bills, and their upper parts are olive-brown, while the sides of their faces are gray. Their tails are dark, with chestnut wash and olive-brown coloration, becoming slightly paler at the tips.

They have white throats that are typically puffed out, and their underparts are soft, ashy brown. Their eyes can range from brown to dull red. The maxillae are dark brown, while the mandibles are grayish brown. Their legs are a fleshy brown color. Although the sexes are similar, males are larger, and their eyes are redder.

• Length – 7.5-8.66 in (19-22 cm)
• Weight – 1.3-1.9 oz (36·7-54 g)

Habitat: Ochraceous Bulbuls inhabit evergreen broadleaf forests, favoring primary or well-developed secondary growth.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Ochraceous Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Ochraceous Bulbuls are found in Southeast Asia, from southern Myanmar through southern Vietnam, the Malay Peninsula, and Sumatra.

3.4. Puff-throated Bulbul (Alophoixus pallidus)

Description: Puff-throated Bulbuls are large birds characterized by their distinctive pointed crests. They have olive-colored upper parts, while their wings, tails, and crowns are brown and feature yellow underparts. A distinctive characteristic of these birds is the fluffy white feathers on their throats. They also have black feet, brown eyes, and brown bills. Both males and females look alike.

• Length – 8.66-9.8 in (22-25 cm)
• Weight – 1.4-1.8 oz (41-52 g)

Similar to White-throated Bulbuls. Puff-throated Bulbuls have duller underparts than White-throated Bulbuls.

Habitat: Puff-throated Bulbuls are found in various wooded habitats and tropical forests, typically foraging for berries in the canopy. They tend to avoid treefall gaps but utilize the areas immediately adjacent to these gaps.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Puff-throated Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Puff-throated Bulbuls are common in northern Mainland Southeast Asia, occurring in Myanmar, southern China, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

3.5. White-throated Bulbul (Alophoixus flaveolus)

Description: White-throated Bulbuls are large, sturdy birds characterized by their wispy, upright bronze-olive crests and strong variable-colored bills. The sides of their faces are gray, and they have elongated white throat feathers that are often held erect. The upper parts of their bodies are bronzy-olive, while their wings and tails are rufous-brown. Their underparts are bright yellow, and they have brown eyes and silvery-gray legs. Both sexes look similar.

• Length – 8.27-8.66 in (21.5-22 cm)
• Weight – 1.34-1.9 oz (38-54 g)

Similar to Puff-throated Bulbuls. Puff-throated Bulbuls have duller underparts than White-throated Bulbuls.

Habitat: White-throated Bulbuls are found in the understory of primary and secondary evergreen forests.

Conservation: IUCN has listed White-throated Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: White-throated Bulbuls occur in south-eastern Asia from the eastern Himalayas to Myanmar and western Thailand.

3.6. Yellow-bellied Bulbul (Alophoixus phaeocephalus)

Description: Yellow-bellied Bulbuls are large, brightly colored birds recognized by their gray heads and whitish lores, contrasting with their clear brown to rich red-brown eyes. The absence of crests makes them easily distinguishable from similarly colored bulbuls. Their upper parts, from mantles to rumps, are dark brown-olive with a greenish tinge. Their rumps and upper tails are chestnut.

Yellow-bellied Bulbuls have white throats, bright yellowish-lemon bellies, and pale, fleshy legs.

• Length – 7.87-8.07 in (20-20.5cm)
• Weight – 0.81-1.41 oz (23-40 g)

Habitat: Yellow-bellied Bulbuls live in broadleaf evergreen forests and mature secondary growth. They also inhabit overgrown tree plantations adjacent to forests.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Yellow-bellied Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Yellow-bellied bulbuls are found on the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo.

4. Genus Hemixos

4.1. Ashy Bulbul (Hemixos flavala)

Description: Ashy Bulbuls are known for their strikingly sharp appearances, characterized by their well-defined plumage. They have gray upperparts with brown wings and yellow wing coverts with olive margins. They have dark gray crowns that can be raised into full-rounded crests. Their lores are black with black moustachial stripes bordering pale brown (tawny) ear-coverts. Their tails are dark brown with olive margins.

Ashy Bulbuls have white underparts, light gray chests, black bills, and dark brown or reddish-brown legs. The sexes are similar in appearance.

• Length – 7.87-8.27 in (20-21 cm)
• Weight – 0.96- 1.24 oz (27.2-35.2 g)

Habitat: Ashy Bulbuls are found in various wooded habitats, including broadleaf evergreen forests, bamboo patches, forest edges, and nearby plantations in ravines and foothills.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Ashy Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Ashy Bulbuls are found on the Indian subcontinent and in Southeast Asia.

4.2. Chestnut Bulbul (Hemixos castanonotus)

Description: Chestnut Bulbuls are easily recognized by their slightly curved bills and vibrant chestnut-colored upperparts. They have long, black feathers on their crowns, while their wings are a dusky brown with fringed, yellowish-green upper wing coverts. Their tails are also dusky brown.

The underparts of Ashy Bulbuls are whitish, with their breasts and flanks exhibiting a brownish-gray color. Their eyes vary from dark brown to reddish-brown, and they have black bills and legs. Both males and females of this species look similar.

• Length – Average 8.46 in (21.5 cm)
• Weight – No information available

Habitat: Chestnut Bulbuls are found in forested lowlands and foothills, including broadleaf evergreen forests, edges, and secondary growth. They thrive in brushy ravines and low-stature montane woodlands.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Chestnut Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Chestnut Bulbuls are found in southern China and northern Vietnam.

5. Genus Hypsipetes

Also, an African species

5.1. Buru Golden-Bulbul (Hypsipetes mystacalis)

The Buru Golden-Bulbul was recently reclassified from the Seram Golden-Bulbul (Hypsipetes affinis) and is now considered a separate species, along with the closely related Sula Golden-Bulbul (Hypsipetes longirostris).

Description: Buru Golden-Bulbuls have mostly olive-green plumage with distinctive yellow lores and partial yellow eye-rings. They have long, relatively heavy bills and dark brown eyes. The sexes are similar in appearance.

• Length – Average 8.3 in (21 cm)
• Weight – No information available

Habitat: Buru Golden-Bulbuls occur in primary, secondary, and degraded forests and mixed plantations from sea level to foothills.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Buru Golden-Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Buru Golden-Bulbuls are endemic to the island of Buru.

5.2. Halmahera Golden-Bulbul (Hypsipetes chloris)

Halmahera Golden-Bulbuls were once considered the same species as five other bulbuls known as Northern Golden-Bulbuls, but they have since been classified into separate categories. Now, these bulbuls are categorized with 24 other species in the genus Hypsipetes.

Description: Halmahera Golden-Bulbuls are large, distinctive bulbuls characterized by their long, slender bills. They have olive upperparts, dusky lores, and yellow underparts. Both sexes look similar.

• Length – Average 7.87 in (20 cm)
• Weight – 1.34-1.48 oz (38-42 g)

Habitat: Halmahera Golden-Bulbuls inhabit primary, secondary, and degraded evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, plantations, and mangroves in lowland and lower hill areas.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Halmahera Golden-Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Halmahera Golden-Bulbuls are found in Morotai, Halmahera and Bacan Islands, (North Moluccas), Indonesia.

5.3. Obi Golden-Bulbul (Hypsipetes lucasi)

Obi Golden-Bulbuls were once considered the same species as five other bulbuls known as Northern Golden-Bulbuls, but they have since been classified into separate categories. Now, these bulbuls are categorized with 24 other species in the genus Hypsipetes.

Description: Obi Golden-Bulbuls are large, distinctive birds characterized by strong bills and striking coloration. They have olive-green upperparts and vibrant yellow underparts. Their faces and ear coverts are pale yellow, marked with a dark streak running from their bills to their malar regions. The bills are pale olive-green, darker along the culmen, and they have bluish-gray legs and feet. Both sexes look similar.

• Length – Average 8.3 in (21 cm)
• Weight – No information available

Habitat: Obi Golden-Bulbuls inhabit various forest types, edges, scrubby areas, degraded regions, and plantations.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Obi Golden-Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Obi Golden-Bulbuls are found in Obi(island) in Indonesia.

5.4. Sangihe Golden-Bulbul (Hypsipetes platenae)

Sangihe Golden-Bulbuls were once considered the same species as five other bulbuls known as Northern Golden-Bulbuls, but they have since been classified into separate categories. Now, these bulbuls are categorized with 24 other species in the genus Hypsipetes.

Description: Sangihe Golden Bulbuls are large birds characterized by their long bills and weak rictal bristles. They predominantly have olive-green plumage, with distinct, vivid yellow features, including the lores, eye rings, ear coverts, throats, and the base of their tail feathers. Both males and females share a similar appearance.

• Length – 8.27-8.66 in (21-22 cm)
• Weight – No information available

Habitat: Sangihe Golden Bulbuls prefer the interior of broadleaf evergreen forests or light woodlands, often avoiding second growth and plantations in favor of small remnants of intact forest.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Sangihe Golden Bulbuls as Critically Endangered (CR) due to deforestation and land conversion for agricultural purposes. These species are nearly absent from plantations and areas of secondary growth, indicating a strong intolerance for habitat degradation.

Distribution: Sangihe Golden Bulbuls are endemic to the Sangihe Islands northeast of Sulawesi in Indonesia.

5.5. Seram Golden-Bulbul (Hypsipetes affinis)

Description: Seram Golden-Bulbuls are large birds characterized by their long, heavy bills and olive-green upperparts. They have a striking yellow section at the end of their tails and a thin yellow line on their heads. Their underparts are uniformly yellow. They have warm brown to bright blood-red eyes, and their bills are blackish with a paler horn-colored base. Their legs are dark slate. Both sexes are alike.

• Length – 8.66-9.45 in (22-24 cm)
• Weight – Average 1.62 oz (46 g)

Habitat: Seram Golden-Bulbuls are found in forests, forest edges, and plantations, from sea level to the foothills. They can tolerate highly degraded forests in lowland areas and even be found in small gardens cut out of forests.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Seram Golden-Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Seram Golden Bulbuls are native to the islands of Seram and Ambon, located in the southern Moluccas.

5.6. Sula Golden-Bulbul (Hypsipetes longirostris)

Sula Golden-Bulbuls were once considered the same species as five other bulbuls known as Northern Golden-Bulbuls, but they have since been classified into separate categories. Now, these bulbuls are categorized with 24 other species in the genus Hypsipetes.

Description: Sula Golden-Bulbuls are large bulbuls with long black bills. Their upper parts are yellow-olive, and their underparts are yellow. They have an olive tinge on their flanks and short, pale, purplish-brown legs on their flanks. Their eyes are reddish brown, and the sexes are similar, though the female’s eyes may be duller and paler.

• Length – 9.1-9.45 in (23-24 cm)
• Weight – No information available

Habitat: Sula Golden-Bulbuls inhabit primary, secondary, and degraded forests, as well as clearings, from lowlands to montane areas, with their highest prevalence in submontane primary forests. They can also be found in plantations.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Sula Golden-Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Sula Golden-Bulbuls are endemic to Sula Island (east of Sulawesi) in the Philippines.

5.7. White-headed Bulbul (Hypsipetes thompsoni)

White-headed Bulbuls were previously placed in the monotypic genus Cerasophila. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies have placed them in the genus Hypsipetes.

Description: White-headed Bulbuls are striking birds characterized by their snow-white heads, throats, and necks, complemented by gray plumage. They have a thin black streak around their eyes, coral red bills and feet, and light yellow or brownish-yellow eyes with a bright vermilion edge along the eyelid. Both sexes of this species look alike.

• Length – Average 7.87 in (20 cm)
• Weight – Average 1.48 oz (42 g)

Habitat: White-headed Bulbuls are found

in light, wooded areas, particularly in the foothills and montane regions. They prefer forest edges, secondary forests, and park-like spaces with scrub or grass and widely spaced trees.

Conservation: IUCN has listed White-headed Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: White-headed Bulbuls are found in Myanmar and northwestern Thailand.

5.8. Black Bulbul (Hypsipetes leucocephalus)

Description: Black Bulbuls are large, noisy, and easily recognizable birds characterized by their mostly slate gray or shimmering black plumage. They have short black crests, and the color of their heads can vary significantly depending on their distribution, ranging from white to dark gray to black. Their broadly triangular long tails are notched and splayed, somewhat like that of drongos (Dicrurus).

Black Bulbuls have dark brown eyes, long orange bills, and legs. Males and females are similar, but the females are slightly smaller than males.

• Length – 9.45-9.84 in (24-25 cm)
• Weight – No information available

Similar to Square-tailed Bulbuls. Square-tailed Bulbuls lack the black streak behind their eyes and on the ear coverts that are present in the Black Bulbuls.

Habitat: Black Bulbuls inhabit broadleaf evergreen and mixed deciduous forests, as well as groves, clearings, and forest edges. When they breed, they prefer tall forests with oak, pine, and rhododendrons. They may also visit mature gardens.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Black Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Black Bulbuls are found primarily in the Himalayas, with their range stretching from Pakistan eastward toward Southeast Asia.

5.9. Brown-eared Bulbul (Hypsipetes amaurotis)

Description: Brown-eared Bulbuls are large, lively birds known for their distinctive appearance. They have gray heads adorned with elongated, pointed feathers and brown cheeks. The upper parts of their bodies are dark ashy gray, while their wings and tails are slightly browner than their backs. Their undertails-coverts are dark gray, broadly edged with white.

Brown-eared Bulbuls have darker gray throats and chests with white spots, while their flanks are brown-gray. Their bills range from dark brown to black, and their legs are dark brown to brownish-pink. The sexes are similar.

• Length – 10.63-11.42 in (27-29 cm)
• Weight – 2.12-3.17 oz (60-90 g)

Habitat: Brown-eared Bulbuls are found in forests during the breeding season. They live in deciduous, mixed, and evergreen forests. In winter, you can see them in open agricultural areas with trees and hedgerows. They also appear in suburbs, urban areas, parks, and gardens.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Brown-eared Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Brown-eared Bulbuls are found over a wide area. Their range includes the Russian Far East, northeastern China, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan. They also live in Taiwan and the Babuyan and Batanes island groups in the northern Philippines.

5.10. Mindoro Bulbul (Hypsipetes mindorensis)

Mindoro Bulbuls were previously considered a subspecies of Philippine Bulbuls. They are differentiated by their voices, larger bills, and generally darker plumage.

Description: Mindoro Bulbuls are medium-sized birds with dark brown upperparts and chests complemented by pale underparts. Their chins and throats have a rufous wash featuring distinct pale shaft streaks. The undertail coverts and underwings are dirty white with a yellowish hue. These birds have long, blackish bills, and their legs range from dark brown to grayish-horn.

• Length – Average 8.66 in (22 cm)
• Weight – 0.88-1.59 oz (25-45 g)

Similar to Philippine Bulbuls. Philippine Bulbuls differ from Mindoro Bulbuls in terms of lighter plumage, smaller bills, and distinct calls.

Habitat: Mindoro Bulbuls inhabit the interiors of broadleaf evergreen lowland forests and well-cultivated areas with plenty of trees, including coconut groves.

Conservation: The IUCN does not yet recognize Mindoro Bulbuls as a distinct species. They are generally believed to be not threatened due to their tolerance for various habitats and their overall commonness.

Distribution: Mindoro Bulbuls are endemic to Mindoro in the Philippines.

5.11. Philippine Bulbul (Hypsipetes philippinus)

Description: Philippine Bulbuls are medium-sized birds with dark olive-brown upperparts and brownish-gray crowns with light gray fringing. They have orange-brown throats and chests that feature pale streaks, and their bellies, undertail coverts, and underwings are dirty white with a yellowish wash.

Philippine Bulbuls have dark brown to chestnut eyes, black or blackish-horn bills, and dark brown to greyish-horn legs. Both sexes are similar in appearance.

• Length – Average 8.66 in (22 cm)
• Weight – 0.88-1.59oz (25-45 g)

Similar to:

• Mindoro Bulbuls. Philippine Bulbul differs from Mindoro Bulbuls regarding lighter plumage, smaller bills, and different calls.
• Streaky-headed Bulbuls. Streaky-headed Bulbuls are larger, with longer bills, black crowns, and paler throats and chests.

Habitat: Philippine Bulbuls are found in tropical lowland forests, wooded areas, shrubby clearings, and secondary growth. They also inhabit well-cultivated areas with numerous trees, including coconut groves.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Philippine Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Philippine Bulbuls are endemic to the Philippines.

5.12. Square-tailed Bulbul (Hypsipetes ganeesa)

Description: Square-tailed Bulbuls are large, noisy birds with distinctly dark, charcoal-black plumage. They feature short black crests and tails that are square-tipped. Their heads are glossy black, with a greenish sheen, and short necks. These bulbuls have deep orange bills, and their eyes range from brown to reddish-brown. Additionally, their feet are yellowish-orange in color.

• Length – 8.27-9.45 in (21-24 cm)
• Weight – 1.23-1.73 oz (35-49 g)

Similar to Black Bulbuls. Square-tailed Bulbuls lack the black streak behind their eyes and on the ear coverts that are present in the Black Bulbuls.

Habitat: Square-tailed Bulbuls inhabit various forest types, particularly continuous rainforests, including heavily degraded forests. They can also be found in conjunction with various types of tea plantations, including conventional, organic, and mixed-shade plantations.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Square-tailed Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Square-tailed Bulbuls are found in southwestern India and Sri Lanka.

5.13. Streak-breasted Bulbul (Hypsipetes siquijorensis)

Description: Streaky-headed Bulbuls are relatively large birds with dark olive-brown upperparts and dark brown wings. Their chins and throats are whitish, with feathers narrowly fringed in brown. They have pale bellies, warm brown chests, and throats adorned with pale streaks. Their eyes are dark brown, featuring black upper mandibles and light brownish-horn lower mandibles. The sexes are alike.

• Length – Average 10.4 in (26.5 cm)
• Weight – No information available

Similar to Philippine Bulbuls. Streaky-headed Bulbuls are larger, with longer bills, black crowns, and paler throats and chests.

Habitat: Streaky-headed Bulbuls are found in forests, forest edges, second growth, and clearings. They are also found in highly degraded scrub.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Streaky-headed Bulbuls as Endangered (EN) due to degraded forests and deforestation. They are likely benefitting from large areas of regenerating forest on Siquijor.

Distribution: Streaky-headed Bulbuls are endemic to the Philippines and found in the Visayas on Tablas Island, Siquijor, Cebu, and Romblon islands.

5.14. Sulu Bulbul (Hypsipetes haynaldi)

Yellowish Bulbul was considered conspecific with Camiguin Bulbul (Hypsipetes catarmanensis) until recently but was split based on plumage and morphological differences. The International Union for Conservation of Nature recognizes the Yellowish bulbul as two separate species, Yellowish Bulbuls(Hypsipetes everetti) and Sulu Bulbuls(Hypsipetes haynaldi).

Description: Sulu Bulbuls are large birds characterized by their dull olive-brown upperparts and striking dull yellow bellies, vents, and under-tails, complemented by olive flanks. They also display orange-brown chests, throats, and cheeks. Their bills are blackish-brown, and their eyes are Indian red. Additionally, their feet are dark brown. Both sexes look similar, though males are larger than females on average.

• Length – Average 9.06 in (23 cm)
• Weight – No information available

Similar to Yellowish Bulbul. Sulu Bulbuls are duller and slightly larger, with shorter wings than Yellowish Bulbuls.

Habitat: Sulu Bulbuls prefer forests, forest edges, and secondary growth.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Sulu Bulbuls as Near Threatened (NT) due to their small range, within which there is some evidence of slow habitat degradation.

Distribution: Sulu Bulbuls are found throughout the Sulu Archipelago in the southwestern Philippines and have also been recorded from Jolo, Tawitawi, Sanga-Sanga, Bongao, and Sibutu.

5.15. Visayan Bulbul (Hypsipetes guimarasensis)

Description: Visayan Bulbuls are large, noisy bulbuls characterized by dark olive-brown upperparts and streaked grayish-brown crowns. Their ear coverts are brown with pale shafts, which gives them a streaked appearance.

Visayan Bulbuls have rufous streaks on their chins and throats. They have rufous-brown breasts, dirty white bellies with a yellowish wash, and olive-colored thighs and flanks. Their eyes are dark brown to chestnut. Their bills are black or blackish-horn, and their legs are dark brown to greyish-horn. Males and females look the same.

• Length – Average 8.66 in (22 cm)
• Weight – 0.88-1.59 oz (25-45 g)

Habitat: Visayan Bulbuls inhabit broadleaf evergreen forests, forest edges, and open wooded areas. They can also be found in cultivated areas with many trees, such as coconut groves.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Visayan Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Visayan Bulbuls are endemic to the western Visayas in the Philippines.

5.16. Yellowish Bulbul (Hypsipetes everetti)

Yellowish Bulbuls were previously considered conspecific with the Camiguin Bulbul (Hypsipetes catarmanensis), but they were split based on plumage and morphological differences. The International Union for Conservation of Nature recognizes the Yellowish Bulbul as two separate species: Yellowish Bulbuls (Hypsipetes everetti) and Sulu Bulbuls (Hypsipetes haynaldi).

Description: Yellowish Bulbuls are large birds characterized by olive-brown upper parts and striking yellow bellies, vents, and undertails, complemented by olive flanks. They also display orange-brown chests, throats, and cheeks. Their bills are blackish-gray, sometimes appearing lighter, and their eyes are dark brown or reddish-chestnut. Additionally, their feet are also blackish-gray. Both sexes appear similar, although males are generally larger than females on average.

• Length – 9.45-10 in (24-25.5 cm)
• Weight – 1.83-2.46 oz (51.9-69.8 g)

Similar to Sulu Bulbul. Sulu Bulbuls are duller and slightly larger, with shorter wings than Yellowish Bulbuls.

Habitat: Yellowish Bulbuls prefer forests, forest edges, and secondary growth.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Yellowish Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Yellowish Bulbuls occur throughout the east-central and southeastern Philippines.

5.17. Zamboanga Bulbul (Hypsipetes rufigularis)

Description: Zamboanga Bulbuls have brown upperparts with streaky grayish-brown crowns. Their upper breasts, cheeks, and throats are reddish-brown, while their eyes are dark brown. The bills range from black to brownish-horn in color. Their bellies, undertail coverts, and underwing coverts are whitish, often with a yellow wash. Their thighs and flanks are olive, and their legs are dark brown. Both sexes are similar in appearance, although males are slightly larger than females.

• Length – Average 9.45 in (24 cm)
• Weight – 1.69-2.5 oz (48-71 g)

Habitat: Zamboanga Bulbuls inhabit intact primary and secondary forests and forest edges.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Zamboanga Bulbuls as Near Threatened (NT) due to significant habitat destruction in the Philippines, particularly in lowland areas caused by logging and agricultural land conversion.

Distribution: Zamboanga Bulbuls endemic to the Philippines.

6. Genus Iola

6.1. Buff-vented Bulbul (Iole crypta)

Formerly, Charlotte’s Bulbuls were considered conspecific with Buff-vented Bulbuls until they were split by the IOC in 2017.

Description: Buff-vented Bulbuls are medium-sized birds with a drab appearance. They have warm brown upperparts and pale buff underparts. Their slender, long bills are accompanied by dark, flat, blackish-shaggy crowns, only visible when the birds raise their heads. The eye rings, and upper parts of their faces are smoky gray, transitioning to ashy brown on the ear coverts. Their eyes are pale gray, and their feet are pink to yellowish. Sexes are similar, but females are generally smaller than the males.

• Length – 7.48-8.27 in (19-21 cm)
• Weight – 0.71-0.99 oz (20-28 g)

Habitat: Buff-vented Bulbuls are found in primary and secondary forests, particularly along forest edges and lowland areas.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Buff-vented Bulbuls as Near Threatened (NT) due to rapid forest loss, especially in the Greater Sundaic bioregion, caused by timber extraction and the growth of plantations, primarily oil palm and rubber.

Distribution: Buff-vented Bulbuls are found in southeastern Myanmar, southwestern Thailand, the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and nearby islands.

6.2. Cachar Bulbul (Iole cacharensis)

Cachar Bulbuls were considered a subspecies of Olive Bulbuls until they were split off and reclassified as a separate species by the IOU in 2017.

Description: Cachar Bulbuls are inconspicuous birds characterized by their bronzy upper parts, brown wings, and dull olive underparts. They have slightly crested crowns that are rufescent (reddish-brown), dark brown upper beaks (maxillae), and lower mandibles that range from brownish to pinkish to yellowish. Their eyes are grayish-pink. Their throats and bellies are yellow, and their feet are pinkish-brown.

• Length – Average 7.09 in (18 cm)
• Weight – Average 0.87 oz (24.4 g)

Similar to Olive Bulbuls. Olive Bulbuls do not overlap in range, but Cachar Bulbuls are smaller, less rusty on their vents, and have more obvious yellow on their upper parts.

Habitat: Cachar Bulbuls are found in northeastern India and southeastern Bangladesh.

Conservation: IUCN has not evaluated Cachar Bulbuls as yet.

Distribution: Cachar Bulbuls are found in north-eastern India and south-eastern Bangladesh.

6.3. Charlotte’s Bulbul (Iole charlottae)

The IOC split Charlotte’s Bulbuls from Buff-vented Bulbuls in 2017.

Description: Charlotte’s Bulbuls are medium-sized, dull bulbuls with brown upperparts, slightly frizzy brown crowns when raised, and relatively long and slender bills. Their faces are smoky gray, transitioning to ashy brown on the ear coverts, and their eyes are pale grayish-white.

Charlotte’s Bulbuls have predominantly dull white or light gray-brown underparts, whitish throats, and pale yellow-olive bellies. Their tail feathers are a light buff color. The maxillae are dark pinkish-brown, while the lower mandibles are pale gray, transitioning to a pale pink near the base. Their legs are yellowish to pinkish-brown.

• Length – 7.87-8.07 in (20-20.5 cm)
• Weight – 0.71-0.99 oz (20-28 g)

Habitat: Charlotte’s Bulbuls inhabit lowland forests and areas near the edges of these forests. They prefer areas that have been logged or burnt, as well as secondary forests.

Conservation: IUCN has not evaluated Charlotte’s Bulbuls as yet.

Distribution: Charlotte’s Bulbuls are found in Borneo.

6.4. Gray-eyed Bulbul (Iole propinqua)

Description: Gray-eyed Bulbuls are plain olive-brown birds that lack distinctive markings except for their characteristic gray eyes. They have long, slender bills, slightly flattened crowns, and small crests. The ear coverts are somewhat paler and grayer than the rest of their upper parts, while their chins and throats are dull white. Their bills are grayish-horn, and their feet range from pinkish to dark purplish-gray.

• Length – 6.69-7.68 in (17-19.5 cm)
• Weight – Average 0.92 oz (26 g)

Habitat: Gray-eyed Bulbuls inhabit forests with broadleaf trees and mixed deciduous trees, mainly in flat areas. They prefer spots with secondary growth and clearings near these forests.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Gray-eyed Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Gray-eyed Bulbuls inhabit the foothills of northeastern Myanmar and northern and eastern Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, southeastern China, and southern Vietnam.

6.5. Finsch’s Bulbul (Iole finschii)

Description: Finsch’s Bulbuls are medium-sized birds characterized by their distinctive short bills. They have olive-colored upperparts and yellow lowerparts, with a slight olive tinge on the chest. Their eyes range from pale yellowish-brown to orange-brown, and their maxillae are blackish. Their legs vary in color from dark horn to reddish-brown. Both males and females share a similar appearance.

• Length – 6.5-6.7 in (16.5-17 cm)
• Weight – 0.78-0.89 oz (22-25g)

Habitat: Finsch’s Bulbuls live in lowland evergreen forests that are not heavily logged. They prefer areas with some tree regrowth and mature plantations. These birds are found at forest edges with many fruiting trees and usually avoid isolated trees and large clearings.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Finsch’s Bulbuls as Near Threatened (NT). This is mainly because forests in the Sundaic lowlands are disappearing quickly. This habitat loss is the biggest threat to Finsch’s Bulbuls, which relies on forests to survive. Additionally, forest fires have also caused local harm.

Distribution: Finsch’s Bulbuls are found in the extreme southern regions of Thailand, the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo.

6.6. Olive Bulbul (Iole virescens)

Description: Olive Bulbuls are small, plain olive-brown birds with long, slender bills. Northern populations have a strong, yellowish tint. Their underparts appear dirty yellow, while the chins, throats, and breasts are creamy clay white. The sides of their breasts and flanks are ashy olive-brown.

Olive Bulbuls have blackish maxilla and paler, more blush lower mandibles; eye colors range from dark, reddish brown in the north to light gray in the south.

• Length – 6.69-7.48 in (17-19 cm)

Habitat: Olive Bulbuls inhabit evergreen forests in lowland and hilly areas, often moving through dense, tangled vegetation at mid to lower levels.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Olive Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Olive Bulbuls are distributed from southern Myanmar to southwestern Thailand and throughout the Malay Peninsula.

6.7. Sulphur-bellied Bulbul (Iole palawanensis)

Description: Sulphur-bellied Bulbuls are medium-sized birds with dull olive-brown upperparts, brown wings, and tails. They have darker, streaked crowns that can be raised into crests. Their chins and throats are yellowish-white, which blend into yellow chests, bellies, vents, and undertail coverts lower down. Their eyes are yellowish, with black bills above and grey on lower mandibles, and their legs are brown. The sexes are alike.

• Length – Average 7.09 in (18 cm)
• Weight – No information available

Habitat: Sulphur-bellied Bulbuls inhabit evergreen forests, their edges, and secondary growth in mountainous areas.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Sulphur-bellied Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Sulphur-bellied Bulbuls are endemic to Palawan (Philippines).

7. Genus Ixos

7.1. Javan Bulbul (Ixos virescens)

Description: Javan Bulbuls are medium to large birds known for their long, slender black bills and streaked underparts. They have olive-green upper parts, with gray crowns and grayish-olive cheeks that feature whitish streaks along the shafts. Their throats are white, and their breasts are well-streaked. They also have heavily streaked olive-brown flanks, creamy white bellies, and undertails. Their eyes can be reddish-brown or red, and they possess blackish-brown legs. Both sexes look alike.

• Length – Average 7.87 in (20 cm)
• Weight – No information available

Similar to Sumatran Bulbuls, they have warm olive-brown upperparts and lack yellow undertones.

Habitat. Javan Bulbuls inhabit evergreen forests, edges, and secondary growth in mountainous and sub-montane areas, mainly in tall montane forests.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Javan Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Javan Bulbuls are endemic to the island of Java in Indonesia.

7.2. Mountain Bulbul (Ixos mcclellandii)

Description: Mountain Bulbuls have long, slender bills and square tails. Their upper parts are olive-green, with deep chestnut crowns raised into frizzy crests. Their underparts are dark chestnut, with puffed pale throats, olive upper flanks, creamy buff bellies featuring ashy fringing, and yellowish undertail coverts. They have eyes that range from light reddish-brown to dark crimson, dark horn-brown upper mandibles, and pale gray lower mandibles. Their legs vary in color from pale pinkish-brown to light purplish-brown. The sexes are alike.

• Length – 8.27-9.45 in (21-24 cm)
• Weight – 0.95-1.45 oz (27-41 g)

Similar to Chestnut Bulbuls, Mountain Bulbuls are longer-billed and have paler-faced appearances.

Habitat: Mountain Bulbuls are usually found in the upper canopies of broadleaf evergreen forests in hilly and mountainous areas and on the edges of forests, scattered bushes, and young secondary growth.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Mountain Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Mountain Bulbuls are found in China, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Malaysia.

7.3. Nicobar Bulbul (Ixos nicobariensis)

Description: Nicobar Bulbuls are unadorned birds that lack crests and have thick, long, dull yellowish-brown bills. Their upper parts are a muted, dusky green, while their crowns are a sooty brown or blackish-brown, contrasting with the lighter brown of their lores. The faces of these birds are also lighter, and their throats and underparts are yellowish-white. They have brown eyes, and their feet are either dark greenish-brown or blackish-gray. The two sexes appear similar.

• Length – Average 7.87 in (20 cm)
• Weight – 1.2-1.34 oz (34-38 g)

Habitat: Nicobar Bulbuls inhabit forests and their edges, mainly congregating around fruit trees. They are also observed visiting plantations, rural gardens, occasionally urban areas, and grasslands.

Conservation: The IUCN has listed Nicobar Bulbuls as Near Threatened (NT) primarily due to the clearing and conversion of forests for plantation agriculture, particularly for the cultivation of rubber, coconut, and cashews. Additionally, infrastructure development, including roads, human settlements, and defense establishments, poses significant long-term threats to this species.

Distribution: Nicobar Bulbuls are endemic to the Nicobar Islands.

7.4. Streaked Bulbul (Ixos malaccensis)

Description: Streaked Bulbuls are large birds with long, strong, slender dark brown bills and dark olive upperparts. They have distinctive whitish streaks on their grayish-brown throats and breasts, which gradually transition to creamy white on their bellies and undertails. Their eyes vary in color from dull reddish-brown to deep red, and their legs can be reddish-brown, light brown, or gray. Both males and females look alike.

• Length – Average 9.06in (23 cm)
• Weight – 1.2-1.45oz (34-41 g)

Habitat: Streaked Bulbuls are found in mature broadleaf evergreen forests, forest edges, and tall secondary growth. They also inhabit peat swamp Kerangas forests, which can be located in both foothills and lowlands.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Streaked Bulbuls as Near Threatened (NT) primarily due to rapid forest loss, which has been particularly severe in the Greater Sundaic bioregion resulting from timber extraction and the expansion of plantations, chiefly oil palm and rubber.

Distribution: Streaked Bulbuls are found on the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo.

7.5. Sumatran Bulbul (Ixos sumatranus)

Description: Sumatran Bulbuls are medium to large, slender birds characterized by their streaky feathers. They have elongated gray crowns that form small crests. The upper parts of their bodies are olive-brown, complemented by brown ear coverts featuring pale shaft streaks.

Sumatran Bulbuls display olive-brown underparts with prominent white streaks, while their undertail coverts are white. Their eyes range from brownish-red to red, and they possess black bills with gray bases. Additionally, their feet are blackish-brown to dark gray. Sexes are similar.

• Length – Average 7.87 in (20 cm)
• Weight – No information available

Similar to Javan Bulbuls, Sumatran Bulbuls have warm olive-brown upperparts and lack the yellow undertones.

Habitat: Sumatran Bulbuls inhabit evergreen forests, edges, and secondary growth in montane and sub-montane areas, mainly in tall montane forests.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Sumatran Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Sumatran Bulbuls are endemic to Sumatra (Indonesia).

7.6. Sunda Bulbul

The Sunda Bulbul has been split into two species.

• Javan Bulbul, Ixos virescens
• Sumatran Bulbul, Ixos sumatranus

7.7. Cream-striped Bulbul (Ixos leucogrammicus)

Cream-striped Bulbuls were originally classified as Ixos but later transferred to Pycnonotus. Recent phylogenetic analysis, however, identified them as a sister group to the three Hemixos species, prompting a reassignment to a different genus.

Description: Cream-striped Bulbuls are small birds with dark grayish-brown crowns with fine pale streaks. Their crown feathers are elongated, forming distinctive crests. The necks to the uppertail coverts are slightly grayish-brown, while the upper parts are dark brown with olive fringes.

Cream-striped Bulbuls’ faces are streaked white, and they have white chins. Their olive upper breasts feature white streaks that gradually fade into their musky white underparts. They have vents and undertails that are tinged yellow. Their bills are bright orange-yellow, while some exhibit black bills and have brown legs. Both sexes look alike.

• Length – 6.69-7.09 in (17-18 cm)
• Weight – No information available

Habitat: Cream-striped Bulbuls are found in evergreen forests and thick secondary growth between tobacco field forest edges. They often gather at fruit trees and shrubs.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Cream-striped Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Cream-striped Bulbuls are endemic to western Sumatra (Indonesia).

8. Genus Microtarsus

Also, an African species

8.1. Andaman Bulbul (Microtarsus fuscoflavescens) also (Brachypodius fuscoflavescens)

Description: Andaman Bulbuls have dusky olive-green upperparts, featuring darker, dull foreheads and throats. Their wings display dark edges, while their tails have olive-yellow bases adorned with dark brown subterminal bars and yellow tips. Their underparts are yellow, suffused with olive on their breasts. They have cobalt-blue eyes, and their bills and legs are blackish-gray. Female Andaman Bulbuls are smaller than males. They have a lighter olive-green head with no shine and more greenish-yellow underparts.

• Length – 5.51-6.69 in (14-17 cm)
• Weight – No information available

Habitat: Andaman Bulbuls inhabit evergreen forests, light deciduous forests, edges, and thick secondary growth.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Andaman Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Andaman Bulbuls are endemic to the Andaman Islands.

8.2. Black-and-white Bulbul (Microtarsus melanoleucos)

Black-and-white Bulbuls (Microtarsus melanoleucos)(del Hoyo and Collar 2016) were previously listed as Pycnonotus melanoleucos.

Description: Black-and-white Bulbuls are medium-sized birds characterized by predominantly blackish-brown plumage, with creamy white coverts on their upper and underwings. Their eyes vary in color from brown to red-brown, and they have black bills. Their legs may appear blackish or bluish-gray. Males and females are similar in appearance, but females are slightly browner with less white on the upper wing coverts.

• Length – 6.3-7.09 in (16-18 cm)
• Weight – 0.81-1.16 oz (23-33 g)

Habitat: Black-and-white Bulbuls are found in lowland and foothill broadleaf evergreen forests, secondary growth, and along forest edges. They also inhabit gardens, tidal riverine forests, and rubber plantations, often gathering in the crowns of fruiting trees.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Black-and-white Bulbuls as Near Threatened (NT) due to rapid forest loss, particularly in the Greater Sundaic bioregion, which has been driven by timber extraction and the expansion of plantations, primarily oil palm and rubber.

Distribution: Black-and-white Bulbuls are found in southern Malaysia, the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo.

8.3. Black-headed Bulbul (Microtarsus melanocephalos)

Brachypodius melanocephalos melanocephalos 1290011 was replaced with Microtarsus melanocephalos melanocephalos 1506392 on October 31, 2023.

Description: Black-headed Bulbuls are small birds characterized by their black heads and a metallic blue-green sheen. Their upper parts are dark olive, while their lower backs and rumps are bright yellow with blackish bases. They have long yellow tails featuring broad black subterminal bands and blackish wings.

Black-headed Bulbuls feature olive-yellow breasts and flanks, while their underparts are bright yellow. Their eyes are pale cobalt blue, and they have black bills and brownish-gray or dusky legs. Both males and females appear similar.

• Length – 6.3-7.09 in (16-18 cm)
• Weight – 0.71-1.06 oz (20-30 g)

Habitat: Black-headed Bulbuls inhabit broadleaf and mixed forests, edges, clearings, and waterways. They can also be found in mature tree orchards, bamboo, canebrakes, wooded gardens, and well-developed coastal shrubs.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Black-headed Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Black-headed Bulbuls are native to southeastern Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

8.4. Gray-headed Bulbul (Microtarsus priocephalus) also (Brachypodius priocephalus)

Gray-headed Bulbuls were originally listed as Brachypus priocephalus.

Description: Gray-headed Bulbuls have predominantly olive-green plumage with ashy-gray crowns, napes, and necks with yellow-green foreheads and dull greenish lores. Their tails and rumps are silvery-gray. Their long tails have black outer feathers broadly tipped in the same color and fringed in green on the outer webs.

Gray-headed Bulbuls have black chins that fade into gray throats. Their underparts are pale olive and turn whitish near the vents. They have whitish eyes, greenish-yellow bills, and pale orange-yellow legs. Males and females look the same.

• Length – 6.69-7.48 in (17-19 cm)
• Weight – No information

Habitat. Gray-headed Bulbuls inhabit evergreen forests, dense reeds, and thickets, primarily near rivers and swampy areas within forests. They can also be found in edge habitats such as bamboo, canebrakes, and tall, vine-covered shrubs.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Gray-headed Bulbuls as Near Threatened (NT) due to habitat loss and degradation as forests are converted into plantations, reservoirs, crops, and human settlements.

Distribution: Gray-headed Bulbuls are endemic to the Western Ghats in southwestern India and are found from Goa south to Tamil Nadu.

8.5. Puff-backed Bulbul (Microtarsus eutilotus) also (Euptilotus eutilotus)

Description: Puff-backed Bulbuls are chunky bulbuls with sparse wispy crests and large black bills. Their whole faces are ashy gray with brown crowns. The feathers on their backs are dense and elongated and, when raised, form a “puff”. They have dark brown upperparts. Their lower backs and rumps are sooty brown, and the feathers on the sides of their rumps are black with white tips. Their tails are dull chestnut-brown, with outer feathers boldly tipped white on inner webs.

Puff-backed Bulbuls have lighter underparts, characterized by pale gray breasts, ashy flanks, and lower bellies and vents that are tinged with light yellow. Their eyes range from light red to crimson. They have large black bills and legs that are dark slate gray. Males and females are similar in appearance, although females may have slightly less pronounced white tips on their tails.

• Length – 7.87-8.66 in (20-22 cm)
• Weight – 1.06-1.52 oz (30-43 g)

Habitat: Puff-backed Bulbuls are found in mature broadleaf evergreen forests, forest edges, mature abandoned Albizia plantations, and tall secondary growth near original forests.

Conservation: IUCN has classified Puff-backed Bulbuls as Near Threatened (NT) due to rapid forest loss, particularly in the Greater Sundaic bioregion, which is primarily affected by timber extraction and the expansion of plantations, mainly oil palm and rubber.

Distribution: Puff-backed Bulbuls are found on the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo.

8.6. Yellow-wattled Bulbul (Microtarsus urostictus) also (Poliolophus urostictus)

Yellow-wattled Bulbuls were previously listed as Pycnonotus urostictus.

Description: Yellow-wattled Bulbuls are medium-sized birds characterized by their dark brown upperparts and grayish-brown heads, which feature small elongated crests. They are easily identifiable by their distinctive yellow eye rings. Their throats and underparts are pale brownish-gray, becoming whitish on their bellies. The area under the base of their tails is white, and they have white tips on their under-tails. Their eyes are brown, their bills range from black to dark horn, and they have grayish-brown legs. Sexes are similar.

• Length – Average 7.48 in (19 cm)
• Weight – 0.74-0.99 oz (21-28 g)

Habitat: Yellow-wattled Bulbuls are found in forest edges, open forests, and areas of secondary growth in lowland regions.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Yellow-wattled Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Yellow-wattled Bulbuls are endemic to the Philippines.

9. Genus Nok

9.1. Bare-faced (Blue-wattled) Bulbul (Nok hualon)

Description: Bare-faced Bulbuls are striking birds, easily recognized by their unusual pale orange-pink bare skin on the sides of their heads, which features bluish orbital areas. They also have small, scraggly crests. The rest of their upper bodies are dull, drab olive, and they have brownish-gray wings with olive edges.

Bare-faced Bulbuls have fawn-gray underparts with whiter chins and throats. Their eyes are dark brown, they have black bills, and their legs are mostly black. The sexes are similar, but females are smaller and slightly paler than males.

• Length – Average 7.48 in (19 cm)
• Weight – 1.16-1.45 oz (33-41 g)

Habitat: Bare-faced Bulbuls primarily inhabit limestone karst terrains characterized by steep terrain, bare limestone, and sparse deciduous trees and shrubs.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Bare-faced Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Bare-faced Bulbuls are endemic to Laos.

10. Genus Pycnonotus

Also, an African Species

10.1. Ashy-fronted Bulbul (Pycnonotus cinereifrons)

Until 2010, Ashy-fronted Bulbuls were considered a subspecies of Olive-winged Bulbuls.

Description: Ashy-fronted Bulbuls are medium-sized birds characterized by predominantly dull olive-brown plumage. Their underparts are somewhat lighter, showcasing whitish throats and bellies. They feature slightly gray foreheads and noticeable streaks on their cheeks. Their eyes are chestnut, their bills are dark pearl-gray, and their legs have a pinkish-horn color. Both male and female birds have similar appearances.

• Length – 7.48-8.07 in (19-20.5 cm)
• Weight – 1.08-1.33 oz (30.6-37.8 g)

Similar to Olive-winged Bulbuls, they have paler bills and gray-flecked forecrowns. Their bellies are grayish-white, and their backs, wings, tails, and rumps are olive-brown. They also have different calls.

Habitat: Ashy-fronted Bulbuls inhabit open country and forest edges and secondary growth. They are confined to the lowlands.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Ashy-fronted Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Ashy-fronted Bulbuls are endemic to Palawan in the Philippines.

10.2. Ayeyarwady Bulbul (Pycnonotus blanfordi)

Until 2016, Ayeyarwady Bulbuls were considered conspecific with Streak-eared Bulbuls (now Pycnonotus conradi).

Description: Ayeyarwady Bulbuls have dull, tawny-brown upper parts featuring white streaks on their ear coverts. Their lower bodies consist of lighter underparts, with the lower backs and rumps also lighter in color. The bellies and undertail coverts have a yellowish tint. They possess dark red eyes, pinkish-brown bills, and dark purplish-gray legs.

• Length – 6.89-7.68 in (17.5-19.5 cm)
• Weight – No information

Similar to Streak-eared Bulbuls, which are more olive-tinged overall, with gray or brown eyes, not reddish as in Ayeyarwady Bulbuls.

Habitat. Ayeyarwady Bulbuls are found in semi-deserts, scrublands, farms, city parks, and deciduous forests, mainly in lowland areas.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Ayeyarwady Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Ayeyarwady Bulbuls are endemic to Myanmar. There have been recently recorded sightings in western Thailand’s adjacent Tak and Kanchanaburi provinces.

10.3. Brown-breasted Bulbul (Pycnonotus xanthorrhous)

Description: Brown-breasted Bulbuls are large, noisy, and conspicuous birds, characterized by their brown upperparts and a black crown that extends down to just below their eyes, as well as their napes, lores, and moustachial streaks. They have brown ear coverts, white chins, and throats. Their upper breasts are brown, transitioning to whitish lower bellies. Their vents are yellow, their eyes are dark brown, their bills are black, and their legs range from dark brown to blackish. Both sexes appear alike.

• Length – Average 7.87 in (20 cm)
• Weight – 0.85-1.09 oz (24-31 g)

Habitat: Brown-breasted Bulbuls inhabit secondary growth, scrubby forest edges, thickets, clearings, and streamside vegetation in montane zones. They can also be found in denser or taller vegetation, farmlands, and gardens.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Brown-breasted Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Brown-breasted Bulbuls are found in southeastern Asia, ranging from central and southern China to Myanmar and northern Thailand.

10.4. Cream-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus simplex)

Description: Cream-vented Bulbuls are small, dull, noisy birds with mostly dark, warm olive-brown upperparts. They have whitish throats with a slightly creamy tinge, pale brown breasts, and brown flanks. Their eyes range from strikingly white to yellowish-white or red; their bills are either black or dark, horn-brown, and their legs are brown or brownish-pink.

• Length – Average 7.09 in (18 cm)
• Weight – 0.65-0.87 oz (18.5-24.6 g)

Habitat: Cream-vented Bulbuls inhabit broadleaf evergreen forests, forest edges, regenerating forests, and areas near mature forests. They also occupy peat swamp forests, heath forests, and plantations of Albizia and oil palms.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Cream-vented Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Cream-vented Bulbuls are found in Southeastern Asia, from the Malay Peninsula to Borneo.

10.5. Flavescent Bulbul (Pycnonotus flavescens)

Description: Flavescent Bulbuls have dull olive upper parts and grayish heads, which feature subtly scaled crowns, a whitish fore-supercilium above the eyes, small crests, and long tails. Their underparts are dark olive, often displaying a wash of yellow, and they have bright yellow undertail coverts. They possess brown to deep, reddish-brown eyes, short, stout black bills, and legs that range from blackish-brown to dark, reddish-brown. Sexes are similar.

• Length – 8.46-8.66 in (21.5-22 cm)
• Weight – 0.97-1.23 oz (27.1-35 g)

Habitat: Flavescent Bulbuls are commonly found in forest edge habitats and clearings within montane and submontane broadleaf evergreen forests that feature abundant undergrowth. They also inhabit secondary growth areas, less pristine environments, abandoned farms, and more developed locations, such as rural gardens and the edges of farmland.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Flavescent Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Flavescent Bulbuls inhabit the far eastern Himalayas in northeastern India and eastern Bangladesh, extending through southern China, Myanmar, and northern, western, and northeastern Thailand and Laos and continuing south to southern Annam in Vietnam.

10.6. Himalayan Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucogenys)

Description: Himalayan Bulbuls are medium-sized birds characterized by their prominent dark brown crests, which are elongated and curve upward above their slightly curved black bills. Their foreheads match the color of their crests, and they have white ear coverts with black patches just behind them, as well as additional striped white and brown markings at the base of the ear coverts. The upper parts of their bodies are brown, transitioning to darker brown near the tips of their tails, which are tipped white.

Himalayan Bulbuls have black lores, chins, throats, upper breasts, pale underparts, bright yellow vents, and sulfur-yellow undertail coverts. Black eye-rings surround their hazel eyes, and they have slate-black legs. The sexes are alike.

• Length – 7.48-7.87 in (19-20 cm)
• Weight – 1.2-1.34 oz (34-38 g)

Habitat: Himalayan Bulbuls inhabit various environments, including forests, woodlands, shrublands, gardens, and parks. They are also commonly found near the outskirts of human residences.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Himalayan Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Himalayan Bulbuls are found throughout the Himalayas, from Afghanistan in the north to the foothills of Assam in the east.

10.7. Light-vented Bulbul, also Chinese Bulbul (Pycnonotus sinensis)

Description: Light-vented Bulbuls are medium-sized birds characterized by their black heads and moustachial stripes. They have large white patches covering the nape and sides of their heads. They have white plumage from their eyes to the back of their heads. The rest of their upper parts are grayish-brown, with olive wings and dark grey-brown tails, fringed with bright olive.

Light-vented Bulbuls have white necks and predominantly light underparts. Their breasts are pale grey-brown with a faint mottled pattern. The bellies are yellowish-grey, and the feathers under their tails are yellowish-white, featuring darker, indistinct streaks. They have deep brown to blackish eyes, black bills, and black legs. Males and females look similar.

• Length – 7.09-7.48 in (18-19 cm)
• Weight – 1.06-1.62 oz (30-46 g)

Habitat: Light-vented Bulbuls are often found in open wooded areas, cultivated lands, the edges of cultivation, and shrublands. They also inhabit suburban and urban parks.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Light-vented Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Light-vented Bulbuls are found in central and southern China, Hong Kong, Macao, the Philippines, northern Vietnam, southern Japan, Taiwan, and occasionally South Korea.

10.8. Olive-winged Bulbul (Pycnonotus plumosus)

Description: Olive-winged Bulbuls are large, plain birds with brownish upper parts and dark olive-brown caps, marked by faintly paler and grayer fringes. They have distinctive yellowish-olive flight feathers and brown rumps. Their tails have deep brown shafts with bright yellowish-green edges.

Olive-winged Bulbuls have whitish chins and throats, pale brownish underparts with slightly browner flanks, and brownish-orange eyes. Their bills are blackish, and their legs are reddish-brown. Males are somewhat larger than females.

• Length – 7.48-8.07 in (19-20.5 cm)
• Weight – 0.85-1.27 oz (24-36 g)

Habitat: Olive-winged Bulbuls can be found in various habitats, including forest edges, secondary growth, wooded areas, coastal scrub, and mangroves.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Olive-winged Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Olive-winged Bulbuls occur in southeastern Asia and the Greater Sunda Islands.

10.9. Orange-spotted Bulbul (Pycnonotus bimaculatus)

Description: Orange-spotted Bulbuls are medium-sized, uncrested birds with rounded tails. They have blackish crowns adorned with light gray streaks, black lores, and large orange spots on the sides of their foreheads. Additionally, a smaller spot is located just above their eyes, while their ear coverts are pale yellow with a greenish tint. Their upper parts are plain brown, their wings have a slightly darker hue with a greenish tinge, and their tails are darker brown.

Orange-spotted Bulbuls have brownish-black chins, throats, and chests, which become mottled on their lower breasts and blend into white bellies. Their vents and undertail coverts are bright yellow. They possess red-brown or dark brown eyes, black bills, and black or dark grey legs. Both males and females look alike.

• Length – Average 7.87 in (20 cm)
• Weight – No information

Habitat: Orange-spotted Bulbuls inhabit edges of primary forests, tall secondary growth, scrub, and elfin forests near mountain summits. They can also be found in national parks, forest reserves, and gardens.

Conservation. IUCN has categorized Orange-spotted Bulbuls as Near Threatened (NT) due to trapping for the cage bird trade across their entire range.

Distribution: Orange-spotted Bulbuls are endemic to Java, Bali, and Sumatra.

10.10. Red-eyed Bulbul, also Asian Red-eyed Bulbul (Pycnonotus brunneus)

Description: Red-eyed Bulbuls are medium-sized bulbuls with dull, warm brown upperparts and dark olive-brown tails. Their underparts are lighter in color, with whitish chins and throats that have a slight tawny shade. Their breasts and upper bellies are ashy brown, transitioning to a lighter color below. The undertail coverts are dull, tawny-yellow with pale brown markings in the center. Their eyes can be red or cream-colored. Their bills are dark brown or reddish-brown, and their legs are brown or reddish-brown. Males and females look similar, but males are usually slightly larger than females.

• Length – Average 7.48 in (19 cm)
• Weight – 0.7-1.31 oz (20-37 g)

Habitat: Red-eyed Bulbuls thrive in mature forests with broadleaf evergreen trees and in areas where forests have been disturbed. They can also be found in peat swamp forests, scrub areas, and vegetation near rivers and paths. Additionally, these birds are often seen in older tree plantations near forests.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Red-eyed Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Red-eyed Bulbuls occur on the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo.

10.11. Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer)

Description: Red-vented Bulbuls are slim, short-bushy-crested Bulbuls with dark brown upperparts with scaly patterns, while their heads are darker or black. Their tails are black, with narrow white tips, and they have conspicuous grayish-white rumps and uppertail coverts. Their wings are dark brown with ashy edges.

Red-vented Bulbuls have brown breasts and bellies that appear scaly due to the white edges of their feathers. Their lower bellies are white, while their vents and undertails are crimson. Their eyes can range from hazel to dark brown, and they have black bills, dark brown eyes, and brownish-black legs. Males and females look similar to each other.

• Length – 7.87-9.06 in (20-23 cm)
• Weight – 1.27-2.08 oz (36-59 g)

Habitat: Red-vented Bulbuls are found in dry scrub, open forests, plains, and cultivated areas, including cities and sparse stony regions with scattered scrub and cactus. They also inhabit forest edges and gardens.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Red-vented Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Red-vented Bulbuls are widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent, including Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and extend eastward to Burma and parts of Bhutan and Nepal. These birds have also been introduced to other regions worldwide, where they have established populations in Argentina, Tonga, Fiji, parts of Samoa, the USA, and the Cook Islands.

10.12. Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus)

Description: Red-whiskered Bulbuls are medium-sized striking bulbuls with black heads that have tall, pointed black crests. Their upper parts are brown, but darker on their wings and tails. They have white lower cheeks outlined in black, a striking red face patch, and a thin black moustachial line.

Red-whiskered Bulbuls have white chins and throats, accented by incomplete dark brown bands on their upper chests that create an interrupted collar. The rest of their underparts are white. They possess long brown tails with white tips on the terminal feathers, while their vent areas are a vivid red. Their eyes are dark brown, and their bills and legs are black.

• Length – 6.69-9.06 in (17-23 cm)
• Weight – 0.84-1.09 oz (24-31 g)

Habitat: Red-whiskered Bulbuls are found in various landscapes, including lightly wooded areas, open country with bushes and shrubs, and farmland. They are commonly seen in hill forests, orchards, reed beds, parks, and urban gardens.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Red-whiskered Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Red-whiskered Bulbuls range extends eastward from India, the Andaman Islands, and Nepal to Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, northern Malaysia, Indochina (Laos, Cambodia), and southern China.

Red-whiskered Bulbuls have been introduced in various locations, including the Nicobar Islands, Mauritius, Réunion, Australia, southern Malaya, Singapore, eastern Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Borneo, Spain, the Canary Islands, and North America.

10.13. Sooty-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus aurigaster)

Description: Sooty-headed Bulbuls are medium-sized birds easily recognized by their matte black heads, which include their foreheads and short crests. They have white ear-coverts. Their upper bodies are grayish-brown, while the lower parts of their throats, necks, chests, and abdomens are grayish-white. They feature orange vents and tails with white tips. Their eyes are dark brown or reddish-brown, and they have black bills and legs. Both sexes look alike.

• Length – 7.48-8.27 in (19-21 cm)
• Weight – 1.41-4.76 oz (40-50 g)

Habitat: Sooty-headed Bulbuls inhabit open areas, scrublands, secondary vegetation, grassy regions, wooded slopes, and dry agricultural lands. They are also present in towns, urban parks, plantations, and along forest edges.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Sooty-headed Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Sooty-headed Bulbuls are commonly found in southern China, Southeast Asia (excluding Malaysia), Java, and Bali. They have also been sighted in Kalimantan.

10.14. Spot-necked Bulbul (Pycnonotus tympanistrigus)

Spot-necked Bulbuls were originally described in the genus Ixos and later reclassified to Pycnonotus.

Description: Spot-necked Bulbuls are small birds characterized by their dull brown upperparts, dark brown wings, and tails. The outer sections of their wing feathers are edged with muted olive. They possess distinctive facial patterns, characterized by dull, greenish-brown crowns, napes, and mantles. Their cheeks and faces are whitish, featuring black malar stripes and ear coverts. Additionally, a crescent-shaped, bright yellow spot borders the area below their ear coverts.

Spot-necked Bulbuls have white throats and whitish underparts that are heavily mottled with brown. This brown coloration transitions to a darker shade below their bellies and flanks, with a yellowish tint on their vents. Their eyes are yellowish-brown, and their bills and legs are dark brown. Both males and females have similar appearances.

• Length – Average 6.3 in (16 cm)
• Weight – No information

Habitat: Spot-necked Bulbuls occur in evergreen, edges, and second-growth forests, normally gathering at fruiting trees.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Spot-necked Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Spot-necked Bulbuls are found in Sumatra.

10.15. Straw-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus zeylanicus)

Description: Straw-headed Bulbuls are large bulbuls characterized by their golden yellow foreheads, crowns, and a distinctive spot located below their eyes. They have a slim black line running from their nostrils through their eyes to the back of their necks. They also have a broad black moustachial stripe. Their napes, through to their backs, are brownish-gray with white streaks. Their wings are greenish brown with brighter olive edges. Their tails are rounded olive-green.

Straw-headed Bulbuls have whitish chins, throats, and chests with grayish-brown mottling and narrow white streaks. Their underparts are uniformly spotted with pale grayish-brown, lighter on the belly, with ashy-brown thighs and fawn-colored vents. Their eyes are reddish-brown, their bills are black, and their legs are brownish-black. The sexes are similar in appearance, but females are slightly smaller and have duller eyes.

• Length – 11.02-11.4 in (28-29 cm)
• Weight – 2.82-3.28 oz (80-93 g)

Habitat: Straw-headed Bulbuls are primarily found along riverbanks and streams, typically near the borders of evergreen and secondary broadleaf forests.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Straw-headed Bulbuls as Critically Endangered (CR) due to extensive trapping for domestic and international cage-bird trade. Deforestation along lowland rivers has likely contributed to the decline of these birds by impacting their habitat and providing trappers with easier access to their range.

Distribution: Straw-headed Bulbuls are found from the Malay Peninsula to Borneo.

10.16. Streak-eared Bulbul (Pycnonotus conradi)

Description: Streak-eared Bulbuls are medium to small-sized crestless birds with dull brown plumage. They have slightly greenish-yellow tinted wing coverts, and there are a few streaks over their ear coverts. The lower parts of their bodies are somewhat lighter than their upper parts, particularly in the area around the throat and neck.

Their eyes are whitish-gray, their bills are gray, and their legs range from dark brown to pinkish.

• Length – Average 7.87 in (20 cm)
• Weight – 0.99-1.27 oz (28-36 g)

Habitat: Streak-eared Bulbuls are commonly found in lowland open forests, forest edges, secondary-growth clearings, parks, and gardens. They also inhabit drier margins of mangroves and wetlands.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Streak-eared Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Streak-eared Bulbuls occur from Thailand and the northern and central Malay Peninsula to southern Indochina.

10.17. Striated Bulbul (Pycnonotus striatus)

Description: Striated Bulbuls are medium-sized birds known for their predominantly olive-green plumage, long tails, and elongated conical crests with striations. Their cheeks are greenish and feature fine white striations. The wings and tails of these birds are also olive green. Their throats, lores, and eye rings are bright yellow, while their breasts are dark gray, transitioning to olive green on their bellies, both of which have whitish-yellow streaks. Striated Bulbuls have dark red-brown eyes, blackish bills, and legs ranging from brown to greenish-black tint. Both sexes appear similar in appearance.

• Length – 8.27-9.06 in (21-23 cm)
• Weight – 1.59-2.12 oz (45-60 g)

Habitat: Striated Bulbuls inhabit low-lying evergreen and deciduous forests, thickets, and secondary forests. They often approach forest edges but never venture far from tall trees.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Striated Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Striated Bulbuls are found from the eastern Himalayas to northern Vietnam.

10.18. Stripe-throated Bulbul (Pycnonotus finlaysoni)

Description: Stripe-throated Bulbuls are medium-sized birds distinguished by bright yellow striations on their heads, throats, and lemon-yellow lower tail coverts, contrasting with their otherwise grayish bodies. Their wings and tails are olive yellow. The sexes are similar.

• Length – 7.48-7.87 in (19-20 cm)
• Weight – 0.99-1.13 oz (28.2-32.0 g)

Habitat: Stripe-throated Bulbuls are typically found in secondary forests, thickets, scrubland, clearings, and gardens.

10.19. Styan’s Bulbul (Pycnonotus taivanus)

Description: Styan’s Bulbuls are medium-sized to small birds characterized by their light brown to olive upper parts. They have dark brown wings with yellow leading edges on their wings and outer tails. Their crowns are black, featuring black moustachial stripes and white ear-coverts. Additionally, they have a small, red-orange dot at the base of their lower mandibles, which are sometimes difficult to see.

Styan’s Bulbuls have light underparts, dark brown eyes, short, curved black bills, and dark brown legs. Males and females are similar in appearance.

• Length – Average 7.48 in (19 cm)
• Weight – No information

Habitat: Styan’s Bulbuls are commonly found in secondary forests, farms, orchards, and urban parks in coastal lowlands. They are often seen perched on telephone poles or fences.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Styan’s Bulbuls as Vulnerable (VU) due to habitat destruction and hybridization with the closely related Chinese or Light-vented Bulbuls. The ranges of these two species overlap in several regions, partly because Light-vented Bulbuls have been released for Buddhist ceremonies. Notably, Styan’s Bulbuls have already become extinct in Yilan County, Taiwan.

Distribution: Styan’s Bulbuls are endemic to eastern and southern Taiwan.

10.20. White-browed Bulbul (Pycnonotus luteolus)

Description: White-browed Bulbuls are small, unadorned birds that lack crests. They have olive-gray upperparts, white supercilia, and white crescent markings below their eyes. The secondary feathers and rectrices have yellow-olive margins on their wings. Their underparts are dirty white, with a touch of yellow on their chins and vents. Their eyes vary in color but generally have a reddish tint. They possess black bills and legs that are blackish-gray. Both sexes look alike.

• Length – Average 7.09 in (18 cm)
• Weight – 0.99-1.52 oz (28-43 g)

Habitat: White-browed Bulbuls are found in open dry scrub vegetation, woodlands with dense shrubbery, dry forest edges, secondary growth, and dense thorny shrubs. They can also be seen in gardens and hedges.

Conservation: IUCN has listed White-browed Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: White-browed Bulbuls are endemic to southern India and Sri Lanka.

10.21. White-eared Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucotis)

Description: White-eared Bulbuls are medium-sized, round birds with long, tapering black tails that feature white tips. Their upper bodies are brownish-gray, with black heads and small, rounded crests. Their throats are also black, complemented by noticeable broad white patches on their cheeks and ear coverts.

White-eared Bulbuls have pale gray underparts that become increasingly paler towards their bright yellow vent areas. Their eye rings are bare, and they have dark brown eyes, short blackish bills, and slate-gray legs. The sexes are similar.

• Length – 6.89-7.48 in (17.5-19 cm)
• Weight – 0.63-0.99 oz (18-28 g)

Habitat: White-eared Bulbuls inhabit wetland reed beds, sparse brush, thorny scrublands, semi-desert shrublands, and agricultural fields. They are commonly seen in urban gardens and parklands within their range.

Conservation: IUCN has listed White-eared Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: White-eared Bulbuls are found in southwestern Asia, ranging from India to the Arabian Peninsula.

10.22. White-spectacled Bulbul (Pycnonotus xanthopygos)

Description: White-spectacled Bulbuls are medium-sized, noisy birds easily identifiable by their black faces and contrasting white eye-rings surrounding their brown eyes. Their upper parts are grayish-brown, with black tails and a central pair of feathers that are also grayish-brown in color.

White-spectacled Bulbuls have dark brown throats and pale, grayish-brown chests, sides, and bellies that are slightly lighter than their upper parts. Their vents are bright yellow and have black or dark bluish-black bills. Their legs are black or slate blue in color. Males and females look similar, but females are slightly smaller than males.

• Length – 7.9-9.8 in (20-25 cm)
• Weight – 1.09-1.62 oz (31-46 g)

Habitat: White-spectacled Bulbuls inhabit various well-vegetated areas, including low trees and shrubs, open pine forests, semi-deserts, oases, and thick wadis. They can also be found in fruit plantations, agricultural regions, and urban or suburban environments.

Conservation: IUCN has listed White-spectacled Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: The White-spectacled Bulbul is found in the Eastern Mediterranean, including southwestern and central southern Turkey, western Syria, Lebanon, Israel, western Jordan, and northeastern Egypt (Sinai). It also inhabits parts of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, the northern UAE, and northwestern and southwestern Oman.

10.23. Yellow-eared Bulbul (Pycnonotus penicillatus)

Description: Yellow-eared Bulbuls are plump, medium-sized birds characterized by olive upperparts and long tails, complemented by yellow underparts. They have gray crowns, yellow ear tufts, and a yellow patch below their eyes. Their cheeks, foreheads, eye stripes, and moustachial stripes are black. Additionally, they feature white tufts in front of their eyes, and their throats are also white. These birds have reddish-brown eyes, black bills, and bluish-gray legs. Both male and female birds exhibit similar characteristics.

• Length – Average 7.87 in (20 cm)
• Weight – 1.27-1.31 oz (36-37 g)

Habitat: Yellow-eared Bulbuls inhabit forests and adjacent wooded farmlands, gardens, and regrowth in the middle canopies, as well as shrubs and dense undergrowth.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Yellow-eared Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Yellow-eared Bulbuls are endemic to Sri Lanka.

10.24. Yellow-throated Bulbul (Pycnonotus xantholaemus)

Description: Yellow-throated Bulbuls are medium-sized birds without crests. They have ashy-gray upperparts with smoky gray centers on their backs and wings, accented by olive-green edges on the wing coverts and remiges. Their heads are a yellowish-green color, and they have bright yellow necks. Their underparts are pale ashy-gray, with yellow undertail coverts and tail tips. They have brown eyes and black bills and legs. Both sexes are similar.

• Length – 7.28-7.68 in (18.5-19.5 cm)
• Weight – 0.70-1.09 oz (20-30 g)

Habitat: Yellow-throated Bulbuls inhabit wooded rocky slopes and scrub-covered hills.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Yellow-throated Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Yellow-throated Bulbuls are found in India.

10.25. Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier)

Description: Yellow-vented Bulbuls are among the most common urban bulbuls found in Southeast Asia. They are characterized by their erect, stubby crests, which are dark brown and feature very white, wide eyebrows. Additionally, they have a prominent black line that runs from their bills to their eyes. They have brown upperparts with olive edges, rumps, and brown ear coverts.

Yellow-vented Bulbuls have white underparts and bright yellow vents. Their eyes are vivid, reddish-brown; their bills are blackish; and their legs are a dark, grayish-black. The sexes are alike.

• Length – 7.48-8.07 in (19-20.5 cm)
• Weight – 0.85-1.31 oz (24-37 g)

Habitat: Yellow-vented Bulbuls are found in a variety of open environments, including secondary forests, plantations, forest edges, urban areas, and parks.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Yellow-vented Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Yellow-vented Bulbuls are found in southeastern Asia, from Indochina to the Philippines and Borneo and Sumbawa in the western part of the Lesser Sunda Islands.

11. Genus Rubigula

11.1. Black-capped Bulbul (Rubigula melanictera)

Black-capped Bulbuls were formerly classified in the genus Pycnonotus but are now placed in the genus Rubigula.

Description: Black-capped Bulbuls are medium-sized birds that are nearly crestless and have rounded tails. Their upper parts are dusky green, complemented by yellow rumps. They feature black heads, bills, and light brown to reddish eyes. Their wings and tails are brown, while their underparts are a bright yellow, with a light olive tinge on their breasts. Their legs range from dark pinkish-gray to black. Both males and females look similar, but females tend to have duller eyes.

• Length – 7.09-7.48 in (18-19 cm)
• Weight – No information

Similar to:

• Black-crested Bulbuls. Black-crested Bulbuls have a distinctive crest, whereas Black-capped Bulbuls do not. Their ranges do not overlap. They were once considered the same species.
• Flame-throated Bulbuls. Flame-throated Bulbuls are blacker on their heads than Black-capped Bulbuls. Their ranges do not overlap. They were once considered the same species.

Habitat: Black-capped Bulbuls inhabit a variety of environments, including lush forests, gallery forests, and gardens. They prefer open woodlands and patchy forests, thriving in lowland regions and low hills, especially in wet and intermediate zones.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Black-capped Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Black-capped Bulbuls are endemic to Sri Lanka.

11.2. Black-crested Bulbul (Rubigula flaviventris)

Black-crested Bulbuls was originally described in the genus Vanga and later moved to the genus Pycnonotus.

Description: Black-crested Bulbuls are medium-sized birds characterized by their permanently erect, curved crests and long, squared tails. They have black heads, bills, legs, and yellow eyes. The upper parts of their bodies are dark olive green, while their lower backs and rumps are slightly brighter. Their lower parts are bright yellow, with a light olive tinge on the breasts. Both sexes appear similar.

• Length – 7.28-7.68 in (18.5-19.5 cm)
• Weight – 1.06-1.2 oz (30-34 g)

Similar to:

• Black-capped Bulbuls. Black-crested Bulbuls have crests; Black-capped Bulbuls do not. Their ranges do not overlap. They were once considered the same species.
• Flame-throated Bulbuls. Black-crested Bulbuls have crests; Flame-throated Bulbuls do not. They were once considered the same species.

Habitat: Black-crested Bulbuls inhabit open and mixed deciduous forests, ranging from lowland to foothill areas. They are commonly found at settlement edges, orchards, and gardens, often perched at the tops of trees and in dense scrub.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Black-crested Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Black-crested Bulbuls are found from the Indian subcontinent to Southeast Asia.

11.3. Bornean Bulbul (Rubigula montis)

Description: Bornean Bulbuls are medium-sized birds characterized by their distinctive black heads and crowns. Their upper bodies are dull olive, featuring browner wings and tails. They have whitish-yellow throats that merge into bright olive-yellow underparts. Their eyes are dark brown, their bills are slender and black, and their legs are dark gray. Both male and female bulbuls have similar appearances.

• Length – 6.69-7.09 in (17-18 cm)
• Weight – No information

Habitat: Bornean Bulbuls are found in evergreen forests, secondary forests, and dense scrub areas, particularly in regions of abandoned cultivation.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Bornean Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Bornean Bulbuls are endemic to the island of Borneo.

11.4. Flame-throated Bulbul (Rubigula gularis)

Flame-throated Bulbuls were formerly classified as a subspecies of Pycnonotus flaviventris; they have since been elevated to full species status.

Description: Flame-throated Bulbuls are quite striking, slim bulbuls with glossy black heads featuring small crests, contrasting white eyes, and conspicuous bright red throats. Their upper parts are yellowish-green, with their wings being browner and featuring an olive tinge.

Flame-throated Bulbuls have orange-yellow breasts with olive shades, while their underparts are bright yellow. Their bills are black, and their legs range from dusky gray-green to blackish-gray or horn-brown. The sexes are similar.

• Length – 7.09-7.48 in (18-19 cm)
• Weight – No information

Similar to:

• Black-capped Bulbuls. Flame-throated Bulbuls have darker heads compared to Black-capped Bulbuls. Their geographical ranges do not overlap. They were previously classified as the same species.

• Black-crested Bulbuls. Black-crested Bulbuls have crests, while Flame-throated Bulbuls do not. These two were previously classified as the same species.

Habitat: Flame-throated Bulbuls inhabit scrubby, evergreen foothill forests, overgrown and degraded forest edges, thorny bamboo thickets, riverine shrublands, and abandoned clearings that secondary forests have overtaken.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Flame-crested Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Flame-throated Bulbuls are found exclusively in the forests of the Western Ghats in southern India.

11.5. Gray-bellied Bulbul (Rubigula cyaniventris) also (Ixodia cyaniventris)

Gray-bellied Bulbuls were previously placed in the large bulbul genus Pycnonotus, which was found to be polyphyletic in molecular phylogenetic studies. This resulted in three species, including Gray-bellied Bulbuls, being moved to Ixodia and also Rubigula.

Description: Gray-bellied Bulbuls are easily recognized by their contrasting two-tone colors. Most of their plumage is ashy gray, while their upper parts are a bright golden-olive. They have black lores that contrast with their pale gray supraloral lines. The centers of their bellies are white, and their vents and undertail coverts are a vibrant chrome yellow. They have blue-gray eyes, blackish bills, and black legs. Females are similar but slightly paler gray and have duller yellow.

• Length – 6.3-6.7 in (16-17 cm)
• Weight – 0.67-0.85 oz (19-24 g)

Habitat: Gray-bellied Bulbuls are found in broadleaf evergreen forests, particularly in mature or nearly mature growth areas with tall timber remaining after disturbances. They can also be spotted at forest edges, along roads, and rivers.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Gray-bellied Bulbuls as Near Threatened (NT) due to rapid forest loss, particularly in the Greater Sundaic bioregion, which is primarily caused by timber extraction and the expansion of plantations, especially oil palm and rubber.

Distribution: Gray-bellied Bulbuls are found on the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo.

11.6. Ruby-throated Bulbul (Rubigula dispar)

The ruby-throated bulbul was originally described in the genus Turdus and later reclassified into the genus Pycnonotus. Pycnonotus was found to be polyphyletic in recent molecular phylogenetic studies, and five bulbul species, including the ruby-throated bulbul, were reassigned to Rubigula.

Description: Ruby-throated Bulbuls are medium to large bulbuls characterized by their long tails. Their upper parts are olive green with black heads and have hardly any crests. Their wings are bordered with a greenish-yellow hue, and their tails are greenish-brown, with white tips on the outer feathers.

Ruby-throated Bulbuls have bright crimson chins and throats. The upper parts of their chests are orange-yellow, while the rest of their underparts are a shade of yellow. Their eyes are fiery red, their bills are black, and their legs are brownish-black. The sexes are alike.

• Length – 6.69-7.87 in (17-20 cm)
• Weight – No information

Habitat: Ruby-throated Bulbuls are found in open woodlands, forests, and dense shrub areas, including rubber plantations.

Conservation: The IUCN has listed Ruby-throated Bulbuls as Vulnerable (VU) due to their heavy capture for the cage bird trade.

Distribution: Ruby-throated Bulbuls are found in Sumatra, Java, and Bali.

11.7. Scaly-breasted Bulbul (Rubigula squamata) or (Ixodia squamata)

Scaly-breasted Bulbuls were originally described in the genus Ixos and later transferred to Pycnonotus. In recent molecular phylogenetic studies, Pycnonotus was found to be polyphyletic, and three bulbul species, including the Scaly-breasted Bulbul, have been reclassified.

Description: Scaly-throated Bulbuls are small, quiet birds that are easily identifiable due to their distinctive features. They have black heads, olive-colored upperparts with black wing tips, and bright yellow rumps. Their wings are black with white tips, while their chins and throats are white.

Scaly-throated Bulbuls have distinctive black chests and flanks with noticeable white fringes, creating a unique scaly appearance. Their bellies are white, and they feature bright yellow vents. These birds possess either crimson or ochre eyes, black bills, and black legs. While males and females appear similar, males tend to be slightly darker in color.

• Length – 5.51-6.3 in (14-16 cm)
• Weight – 0.67-0.81 oz (19-23 g)

Habitat: Scaly-throated Bulbuls are found in hilly broadleaf evergreen forests, whether mature or altered with dense cover. Occasionally, they can also be found in relatively low secondary growth, including bamboo forests, far from the original forest.

Conservation: The IUCN classifies Scaly-throated Bulbuls as Near Threatened (NT) due to the rapid loss of forests in the Sundaic lowlands, primarily driven by illegal logging, land conversion, and forest fires.

Distribution: Scaly-throated Bulbuls are found from the Malay Peninsula to Borneo.

11.8. Spectacled Bulbul (Rubigula erythropthalmos) also (Ixodia erythropthalmos)

Description: Spectacled Bulbuls are small birds characterized by their rufous-brown upper parts and gray-washed heads. They feature a thin, orangish eye ring around their bright red eyes, which is not always easy to see. Their tails are dark brown with a faint reddish tinge.

Spectacled Bulbuls have smoky gray throats and chins, while their breasts are gray with browner flanks. The rest of their underparts are creamy white, having a faint fawn tint. Their small, sharp bills are blackish, and their legs are dull pinkish-brown. The sexes are similar in appearance, although females are slightly smaller than males.

• Length – 6.3-7.09 in (16-18 cm)
• Weight – 0.56-0.63 oz (16-22 g)

Habitat: Spectacled Bulbuls inhabit lowland and foothill broadleaf forests, peatland forests, and forest edges. You can also find them along roadsides, riverbanks, overgrown orchards, mature gardens, and mangroves near forests. They often venture into bush clearings.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Spectacled Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Spectacled Bulbuls are found on the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo.

12. Genus Spizixos

12.1. Collared Finchbill (Spizixos semitorques)

Description: Collared Finchbills are medium-sized birds with mostly olive-green plumage. They have black heads with white supraloral spots, white striations on the ear coverts, and distinct white collars. Their stout, slightly curved bills are yellow, contrasting with the dark, slender ones typically found in most bulbuls. Their eyes are either blackish or reddish-brown, and their legs are pale brown. While the sexes are similar in appearance, females are generally smaller than males.

• Length – 8.27-9.06 in (21-23 cm)
• Weight – 0.92-1.09 oz (26-31 g)

Habitat: Collared Finchbills are found in open woods, secondary vegetation, and shrublands in mountainous areas, including valleys and slopes with sword grass. They are often seen near human settlements and on the fringes of large towns.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Collared Finchbills as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Collared Finchbills are found in China, Taiwan, Japan, and Vietnam.

12.2. Crested Finchbill (Spizixos canifrons)

Description: Crested Finchbills have predominantly olive-green upperparts, dark gray heads, and darker crests. Their faces and ear coverts are pale gray. They feature wide black terminal bands, while their wings are a darker olive with yellowish-green fringes.

Crested Finchbills have lighter olive-colored underparts with yellowish bellies. Their pale yellow bills are short and stout, contrasting with the slender bills typically found in most bulbuls. The birds have legs that are either pinkish or fleshy brown in color. Both males and females share similar appearances, but females are noticeably smaller than males. Furthermore, females have a duller black crest and a medium gray throat.

• Length – 7.48-8.66 in (19-22 cm)
• Weight – Average 1.55 oz (44 g)

Habitat: Crested Finchbills are found in middle to upper-elevation evergreen and deciduous forests, as well as forest edges and meadows, with a preference for areas dense with bamboo and thorny vegetation.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Crested Finchbills as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Crested Finchbills are found in southeastern Asia, ranging from China and India to Indochina.

13. Genus Tricholestes

13.1. Hairy-backed Bulbul (Tricholestes criniger)

Description: Hairy-backed Bulbuls are small, quiet birds characterized by their slightly rounded, bright, rufous tails with creamy white tips and strong rictal bristles. Their upper parts are brown, marked by distinctive pale yellowish lores, a wide area around their eyes, and pale, dull yellow ear coverts.

Hairy-backed Bulbuls have creamy white chins and throats, while the rest of their underparts are a dirty yellow. They have dark brown to pale amber eyes and light bluish-gray bills. Their legs can be greenish-brown or fleshy-brown in color. The sexes are similar in appearance, but females tend to be smaller on average than males.

• Length – 6.3-6.7 in (16-17 cm)
• Weight – 0.42-8.27 oz (12-21 g)

Similar to Bare-faced Bulbuls. The ranges of Bare-faced Bulbuls and Hairy-backed Bulbuls do not overlap.

Habitat: Hairy-backed Bulbuls inhabit mature and advanced secondary evergreen forests, sometimes where bamboo dominates.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Hairy-backed Bulbuls as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution: Hairy-backed Bulbuls are found on the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo.

14. Genus Setornis

14.1. Hook-billed Bulbul (Setornis criniger)

Description: Hook-billed Bulbuls are medium-sized, unremarkable birds characterized by their warm brown crowns, white supercilia, black eye stripes, and malar regions. Their ear coverts are pale grayish-brown, while the rest of their upperparts are consistent mid-brown. They have distinctly hooked black beaks and long, slightly rounded tails. The outer tail feathers are brown and have broad white tips.

Hooked-billed Bulbuls have white chins, throats, and underparts. Their mid-bellies are slightly whitish, while their flanks are solid grey. Their eyes are dark brown, and their legs are black. The sexes are similar.

• Length – Average 7.87 in (20 cm)
• Weight – 0.92-1.23 oz (26-35 g)

Similar to Puff-backed Bulbuls, which also feature white-tipped tail feathers, these birds have a warmer, brownish color, usually display visible crests, and have red eyes. They lack a supercilia and eye stripes.

Habitat: Hook-billed Bulbuls inhabit stunted forest types, such as kerangas or peatswamps. They are also found in abandoned rubber plantations.

Conservation: IUCN has listed Hooked-billed Bulbuls as Vulnerable (VU). This is due to the significant loss of forests in the lowland areas of Indonesia and Malaysia. The primary sources of destruction are logging farming, and urban development. The rapid growth of oil palm and rubber plantations has especially converted much of the remaining lowland forest in the region.

Distribution: Hook-billed Bulbuls are found in eastern Sumatra and Borneo.

Conclusion

Bulbuls are a captivating and varied group of songbirds that inhabit regions across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Their vibrant colors, unique calls, and intriguing behaviors make them truly enchanting! These adaptable birds play a vital role in our ecosystems by controlling pests and dispersing seeds, thereby helping to maintain the health of nature. Embracing their beauty and importance adds joy to our understanding of wildlife and the environment!

Increasing threats, such as deforestation and illegal bird trade, underscore the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect habitats and ensure survival.