Alophoixus tephrogenys
A vibrant denizen of Southeast Asian forests, the Grey-cheeked Bulbul (Alophoixus tephrogenys) is a medium-sized passerine, typically measuring 20-22 cm (8-9 inches) in length and weighing approximately 25-35 grams. Its distinctive appearance features olive-green upperparts that fade to a paler rump, contrasting sharply with a grey head and cheeks, a bright yellow throat patch, and a pale, often whitish, belly. The undertail coverts are a vibrant yellow, providing another key field mark. Thes...
This bulbul primarily inhabits the understory and mid-story of lowland to submontane primary and mature secondary evergreen forests, as well as dense bamboo thickets, up to elevations of approximately 1600 meters.
Its diet is omnivorous, consisting primarily of a wide variety of small fruits, berries, and insects, which it obtains through gleaning and hawking.
The Grey-cheeked Bulbul is a diurnal and relatively active species, spending most of its day foraging in the dense foliage of the forest understory. It employs a variety of foraging strategies, gleaning insects and spiders from leaves and branches, sallying to catch flying insects, and plucking f...
The Grey-cheeked Bulbul is a widespread resident species found throughout Southeast Asia, primarily across the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, and numerous smaller adjacent islands. Its extensive breeding range covers southern Myanmar, southern Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Peninsular Mala...
Least Concern
- The scientific name 'tephrogenys' is derived from Greek, meaning 'ash-cheeked', perfectly describing one of its most prominent field marks. - Grey-cheeked Bulbuls are vital 'forest gardeners,' playing a significant role in seed dispersal for numerous tropical plants through their frugivorous di...