Philippine Bulbul

Overview

The Philippine bulbul (Hypsipetes philippinus) is a songbird species in the family Pycnonotidae. It is endemic to the Philippines and is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Lighter plumage compared to related species.
• Smaller bill than other Hypsipetes bulbuls.
• Distinctive call differing from similar species.

Habitat

This bird inhabits tropical moist lowland forests, forest edges, clearings, and coconut groves up to 2,000 meters above sea level. It is found throughout the Philippines, including specific populations on Burias, in the northern Philippines, and in eastern-central and southern regions.

Diet

As a generalist, it feeds on fruit and insects. No specific details on foraging behaviour are provided in the reference material.

Did you know?

The breeding season appears to be prolonged, as females with ripe ovarian follicles were observed in April and May, while territorial songs at lower altitudes continued into May despite birds upslope becoming silent during this period.