Alophoixus frater
The Palawan Bulbul, Alophoixus frater, is a medium-sized passerine, typically measuring 20-22 cm in length and weighing around 30-45 grams. It sports olive-brown upperparts, a contrasting pale, often yellowish-tinged, underbelly, and a distinctive greyish head topped with a shaggy crest that can be raised or lowered. A subtle pale eye-ring often frames its dark eyes, and its sturdy bill is dark, aiding in its diverse diet. The combination of its shaggy crest, greyish head, and yellow-tinged u...
Primarily inhabits lowland primary and secondary forests, forest edges, and often ventures into disturbed or regenerating woodlands, from sea level up to approximately 1,000 meters elevation.
Primarily feeds on a mix of small fruits, berries, and a variety of insects and other invertebrates, occasionally supplemented by nectar.
A diurnal species, the Palawan Bulbul is most active during the day, often seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups. They frequently join mixed-species foraging flocks, particularly in the mid-story and undergrowth of the forest, where they are agile foragers. They glean insects and larvae f...
The Palawan Bulbul is strictly endemic to the Palawan faunal region within the Philippines. Its distribution encompasses the main island of Palawan, as well as several smaller associated islands including Busuanga, Culion, Calauit, and Balabac. This species is non-migratory and occupies its range...
Least Concern
- The Palawan Bulbul is a true endemic, found nowhere else in the world except Palawan and its adjacent small islands. - Its distinctive shaggy crest can be raised or lowered, reflecting the bird's mood or level of alertness. - It often acts as a "nuclear species" in mixed-species foraging flocks...