Straw-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus zeylanicus)

Also known as the Straw-crowned or Yellow-crowned Bulbul, its range extends across South-East Asia from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Peninsular Myanmar, Thailand and Singapore. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical mangrove and lowland forests, moist shrub-land, arable land, plantations, and rural gardens.

(Straw-headed Bulbul, CAPTIVE, Edward Youde Aviary, Hong Kong)

Straw-headed Bulbuls are sedentary, usually occurring in pairs or family groups of up to five or six individuals.

The melodious quality and strength of the Straw-headed Bulbul’s song makes it easily locatable.  This, combined with its habit of nesting and roosting in easily accessible areas, has led to its regular poaching and trapping as a cage bird.  As recently as two decades ago Straw-headed Bulbuls were widespread and even locally abundant across much of their range.  Their capture for the pet trade, combined with a loss of natural habitat, has led to a significant population decline.  They are now thought to be naturally extinct in Java and virtually extinct in Sumatra, whilst in Thailand only feral captive populations are believed to remain.  Recent records indicate that they only endure in moderately healthy numbers in peninsular Malaysia and Singapore.  In 1987, a ‘pet’ Straw-headed Bulbul would cost approximately $20 US, by the early 2000’s this price had exponentially increased to $1300 US.

(Straw-headed Bulbul, Bukit Brown Cemetary, Singapore)

Due to these population impact factors, the conservation status of the Straw-headed Bulbul is now considered to be vulnerable.   It is now a protected species in Thailand and is found in at least two protected areas in Sumatra and several protected areas in Peninsular Malaysia.   The species is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), as such any international trade in this species is carefully monitored.  Further measures, such as stricter controls on the export and import of live birds and stronger legal protection would help the remaining straw-headed bulbuls survive in the wild.

Orange-spotted Bulbul (Pycnonotus bimaculatus)

The Orange-spotted Bulbul is a medium sized brownish bulbul.  It is distinguished by its brown, spotted chest that contrasts with its pale belly with diagnostic yellow-orange lores.

(Orange-spotted Bulbul, CAPTIVE, Edward Youde Aviary, Hong Kong)

It is endemic to Java, Bali and Sumatra where three subspecies are formally recognized.  On very rare occasions, it has been recorded in Singapore, where it is believed to be an escaped captive bird.

The preferred habitat for the Orange-spotted Bulbul is montane forest edges, scrub, clearings and open meadows at altitudes between 800 and 3000 metres.  At high altitudes it can be quite gregarious, especially in stunted alpine growth, where it is often seen in small vocal parties.

The example above was photographed in the Edward Youde open aviary in Hong Kong Park, Hong Kong.