Pycnonotus zeylanicus
The Straw-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus zeylanicus) is a truly magnificent and highly distinctive passerine, renowned for its striking plumage and exceptionally melodious song. Measuring approximately 28 cm (11 inches) in length and weighing around 80-100 grams, it stands as one of the larger bulbuls. Its most prominent feature is the brilliant straw-yellow head, contrasting sharply with its olive-brown back, wings, and tail. A clean white throat and a dark moustachial stripe further define its f...
This bulbul primarily inhabits tropical and subtropical lowland forests, particularly favoring peat swamp forests, dense riverine vegetation, and mature secondary growth. It is typically found at elevations from sea level up to about 800 meters.
Its diet consists predominantly of fruits, including figs, berries, and other soft fruits found in its forest habitat, supplemented by a variety of insects such as beetles and ants, typically gleaned from foliage.
The Straw-headed Bulbul is generally a shy and elusive bird, often detected more by its stunning vocalizations than by sight, despite its vibrant head. It is diurnal, spending its days foraging and defending its territory, often seen alone or in pairs, though small family groups can sometimes be ...
The historical breeding range of the Straw-headed Bulbul once spanned across Southeast Asia, including the Malay Peninsula (Malaysia, Thailand), Sumatra, Borneo (Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei), and Singapore. Today, its distribution is severely fragmented and drastically reduced, primarily confined...
Critically Endangered
- The Straw-headed Bulbul is considered one of the world's most melodious songbirds, leading to its extreme popularity and high value in the illegal pet trade. - A single captive individual can fetch thousands of dollars on the black market, making it a prime target for poachers. - Its distinctiv...