Rubigula erythropthalmos
The Spectacled Bulbul (*Rubigula erythrophthalmos*) is a vibrant, medium-sized songbird native to the tropical lowlands of Southeast Asia. Measuring approximately 16-18 cm (6.3-7.1 inches) in length and weighing around 18-25 grams, its most striking feature is the bright red orbital ring that encircles its dark eyes, giving it its “spectacled” moniker. Its plumage is predominantly olive-green on the upperparts, transitioning to a paler, often yellowish-green on the underparts, with a distinct...
This bulbul primarily inhabits tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, forest edges, and secondary growth. It is typically found from sea level up to elevations of about 1,000 meters.
The diet of the Spectacled Bulbul is primarily frugivorous, consisting of a wide variety of small fruits and berries. It also supplements its diet with insects, gleaned from foliage or caught in short aerial sallies.
Spectacled Bulbuls are diurnal and generally active, often observed foraging solitarily, in pairs, or small family groups, though they may join larger mixed-species foraging flocks, particularly with other bulbul species, to exploit fruiting trees. They are agile foragers, gleaning insects from f...
The Spectacled Bulbul is a widespread resident species found across the Malay Peninsula, including southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia, as well as the larger Sunda Islands of Sumatra and Borneo. Its distribution extends to several smaller offshore islands within this region, such as Singapo...
Least Concern
- The striking red orbital ring that gives the Spectacled Bulbul its name is one of the most vibrant features among Asian bulbuls, making it easily identifiable. - Its genus *Rubigula* was recently split from the much larger *Pycnonotus* genus, reflecting its distinct evolutionary lineage alongsi...