Microtarsus melanoleucos
The Black-and-white Bulbul (*Microtarsus melanoleucos*) is a striking and highly social passerine endemic to Southeast Asia. Measuring approximately 16-18 cm (6.3-7.1 inches) in length and weighing around 20-29 grams, it is instantly recognizable by its glossy black head, back, throat, and chest, contrasting sharply with its pure white lower belly and undertail coverts. A prominent white patch on its remiges, particularly visible in flight, serves as its most distinctive field mark, setting i...
Primarily found in lowland evergreen and secondary forests, forest edges, and cultivated areas, typically at elevations up to 1000 meters, though occasionally higher.
Primarily frugivorous, consuming various berries and small fruits, supplemented by insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and ants gleaned from leaves and branches.
This diurnal bulbul is exceptionally active and social, often seen foraging in noisy flocks of 6 to 20 individuals, sometimes even larger groups exceeding 50, frequently joining mixed-species foraging parties in the canopy and subcanopy. Its foraging strategy involves gleaning insects from foliag...
The Black-and-white Bulbul is a resident species found throughout the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. Its distribution extends across several Southeast Asian nations, including southern Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and Indonesia. While generally non-migratory, local movements may ...
Least Concern
- The Black-and-white Bulbul's striking plumage makes it one of the most easily identifiable bulbuls in its native range. - It was formerly classified under the genus *Pycnonotus* before being reclassified into *Microtarsus*. - Unlike many other bulbuls, it is almost exclusively found in highly s...