Hypsipetes chloris
The Halmahera Golden Bulbul (*Hypsipetes chloris*) is a striking passerine bird, endemic to the island of Halmahera and its satellite islands within Indonesia. Measuring approximately 25 cm (10 inches) in length, this medium-sized bulbul is characterized by its vivid golden-olive upperparts, a contrasting bright yellow vent, and a grayish-white throat. A distinctive white eye-ring stands out against its dark head, complemented by a stout, dark bill and dark legs. These field marks, along with...
This bulbul primarily inhabits lowland and hill primary forests, forest edges, and regenerating secondary growth. It is typically found at elevations ranging from sea level up to approximately 1300 meters.
Its diet primarily consists of various fruits, particularly berries, which it gleans from trees and shrubs. This is supplemented with a significant intake of insects, captured by gleaning or sallying.
The Halmahera Golden Bulbul is an active, arboreal species, often observed singly, in pairs, or occasionally in small, loose mixed-species flocks. It forages energetically within the forest canopy and understory, gleaning fruits and insects from foliage and branches, and sometimes sallying to cat...
The Halmahera Golden Bulbul is strictly endemic to the Maluku Islands of Indonesia, with its primary distribution centered on the large island of Halmahera. Its range extends to several satellite islands within the North Maluku province, including Bacan, Kasiruta, Obi, and Morotai. This species i...
Least Concern
- This species is a true island endemic, found only on Halmahera and a few surrounding smaller islands in Indonesia. - Despite its name, its 'golden' hue is more of a vibrant golden-olive, a beautiful blend of green and yellow. - It was once considered part of a larger 'golden bulbul' complex, hi...