Iole propinqua
The Grey-eyed Bulbul (Iole propinqua) is a captivating passerine bird, characterized by its distinctive pale grey iris, a feature that lends it its common name and sets it apart from many other bulbul species. Measuring approximately 18-20 cm in length and weighing around 20-30 grams, this medium-sized bulbul exhibits a generally olive-green plumage on its upperparts, contrasting with paler, often yellowish-white underparts, particularly noticeable on the throat and belly, with a brighter yel...
This bulbul primarily inhabits evergreen and deciduous forests, forest edges, secondary growth, and bamboo thickets, particularly favoring areas with dense undergrowth. It is typically found from lowlands up to elevations of about 1,500 meters.
Primarily omnivorous, their diet consists mainly of small insects and arthropods, supplemented significantly by a wide variety of fruits, berries, and occasionally nectar. They forage by gleaning from foliage and branches, as well as sallying for flying insects.
Grey-eyed Bulbuls are diurnal birds, actively foraging from dawn until dusk and typically roosting communally or solitarily in dense foliage at night. Their foraging strategy involves gleaning insects from leaves and branches, as well as plucking fruits and berries, often in the mid to upper cano...
The Grey-eyed Bulbul has an extensive distribution across Southeast Asia, primarily resident throughout its range, with no significant migratory movements. Its breeding range encompasses eastern Myanmar, southern China (including Yunnan, Guangxi), Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. This speci...
Least Concern
- The Grey-eyed Bulbul's distinctive pale grey to whitish iris is a key identification feature, setting it apart from many other similarly plumaged bulbul species which typically have dark eyes. - There are several recognized subspecies across its range, each showing subtle variations in plumage ...