Iole cacharensis
The Cachar Bulbul (Iole cacharensis) is a medium-sized passerine bird, approximately 18-20 cm (7-8 inches) in length, with a typical bulbul weight of around 25-35 grams. It exhibits olive-brown upperparts, ranging from yellowish-olive on the head and back to slightly darker wings and tail. The underparts are paler, a yellowish-white, with a faint greenish wash on the flanks. A key diagnostic feature is the distinct white streaking on the ear-coverts, which contrasts with the duller face. The ...
This species primarily inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, montane forests, secondary growth, and forest edges. It is typically found at elevations ranging from lowlands up to about 1,500 meters.
The diet of the Cachar Bulbul consists mainly of insects, including caterpillars and beetles, supplemented by various berries and small fruits. It forages by gleaning from foliage and branches.
The Cachar Bulbul is a generally shy and unobtrusive bird, primarily active during daylight hours (diurnal). It typically forages alone, in pairs, or in small, loose family groups, often joining mixed-species feeding flocks in the forest understory and mid-canopy. Its foraging strategy involves a...
The Cachar Bulbul is a resident species found across a significant portion of mainland Southeast Asia. Its core breeding and year-round range extends throughout Northeastern India, including states like Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Manipur, and Nagaland. It is also widely distributed acros...
Least Concern
- The Cachar Bulbul was only recently recognized as a distinct species in 2017, having previously been considered a subspecies of the Olive-backed Bulbul. - Its species name "cacharensis" refers to the Cachar Hills in Assam, India, a key part of its historical and current range. - Vocalizations w...