Straw-headed Bulbul
NameStraw-headed Bulbul
Common NameStraw-headed Bulbul
Scientific NameBrachypodius zeylanicus
FamilyPycnonotidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)28
Weight (g)65
Plumage DetailsThe most striking feature is the golden-yellow crown and nape, heavily streaked with black. The rest of the upperparts are olive-brown, contrasting with yellowish-green wings and tail. Underparts are pale brown, often with a scaly appearance on the breast, and it has a prominent dark eye with a reddish-orange iris.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its rich, melodious, and complex song, often described as a series of bubbling, fluty notes, whistles, and trills, considered one of the most beautiful songs among Asian birds.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, wetland
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Geographic RangeNative to Southeast Asia, found in Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, and formerly Singapore. It prefers lowland primary and secondary forests, often near rivers or swamps.
Identifying Featuresgolden-yellow streaked crown, dark eye with reddish-orange iris, olive-brown upperparts with yellowish-green wings and tail, large size for a bulbul, melodious and complex song
Description
This large bulbul is easily recognized by its distinctive golden-yellow, streaked head and melodious song. It typically inhabits the mid-canopy of lowland forests, often near water, where it forages for fruits and insects.
