Orange-spotted Bulbul

Pycnonotus bimaculatus

The Orange-spotted Bulbul (Pycnonotus bimaculatus) is a charming and active passerine, belonging to the bulbul family Pycnonotidae. This medium-sized songbird typically measures between 18-20 cm in length and weighs 25-35 grams, characterized by olive-green upperparts and a distinctive greyish head. Its most prominent field marks are the small, bright yellow-orange tufts of feathers, often appearing behind the eye or on the lores, which give the species its common name and differentiate it fr...

Habitat

Primarily inhabiting montane and submontane evergreen forests, forest edges, and clearings, this bulbul is typically found at elevations between 800 and 3000 meters above sea level.

Diet

Primarily frugivorous, its diet consists mainly of various fruits and berries, supplemented by a significant intake of insects, such as caterpillars and beetles, as well as nectar.

Behavior

The Orange-spotted Bulbul is a diurnal and highly active species, spending its days foraging through dense foliage. It exhibits varied foraging strategies, primarily gleaning fruits and insects from branches and leaves, and occasionally sallying out to hawk flying insects. During the breeding sea...

Range

The Orange-spotted Bulbul is endemic to the Greater Sunda Islands of Southeast Asia, making its home in the montane and submontane regions. Its core distribution includes Sumatra, Java, Bali, and Lombok, where it is a resident species, undertaking no significant seasonal migrations. Three distinc...

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Fun Facts

- The species name "bimaculatus" is Latin for "two-spotted," referring directly to its distinctive facial markings, although these can sometimes appear as more than two spots or vary in intensity. - Despite its specific name, the 'orange spots' can sometimes appear more yellow, leading to slight ...

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