Puff-throated Bulbul
Alophoixus pallidus
A large crested bulbul of tropical forests, usually found in the canopy foraging on berries. Body is a light yellow-green, while the wings, tail, and crown are brown. “Puff” of the white throat is slight and not an obvious feature. In the northwestern part of its range, it overlaps with the similar White-throated Bulbul, which has a more scraggly crest, more extensive white on the throat and face, and olive-green wings. Chatters with explosively harsh and barking quality; groups can be very loud and cacophonous.
Identification
The puff-throated bulbul is a large (23 cm long) bulbul with olive upperparts, yellow underparts, and puffy white throat feathers. It is similar in appearance to the white-throated bulbul but with duller underparts. It has black feet and brown iris and bill. Males and females are visually indistinguishable.
Taxonomy
The puff-throated bulbul was originally described in the genus Criniger until moved to the genus Alophoixus in 2009. Alternate names for the puff-throated bulbul include the olivaceous bearded-bulbul, olivaceous bulbul and white-throated bulbul. The latter name should not be confused with the species of the same name, Alophoixus flaveolus.<p>Seven subspecies are recognized:
- Scientific name
- Alophoixus pallidus
- Authority
- (Swinhoe, 1870)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pycnonotidae
- Genus
- Alophoixus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The puff-throated bulbul is a regular but not an obligate cooperative breeder. Groups can comprise one or more breeding pairs and breed either cooperatively or non-cooperatively. In cases of multiple breeding pairs in a single territory, the pairs nest separately. The female builds the nest and incubates and broods the young. Males and helpers aid in feeding the nestlings and fledglings. Nests are open cups typically located in the understorey.
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Palawan Crow
Corvus pusillus
Large black crow endemic to the western Philippines, from Mindoro west to Palawan. Plumage has an iridescent dark blue sheen when seen up close. Note relatively long, slightly decurved bill. Favors intact forest and forest edge. Often encountered as pairs or small flocks in rowing flight over roads, rivers, and clearings. Gives loud nasal caws.
Camiguin Bulbul
Hypsipetes catarmanensis
A fairly large bulbul of forest and forest edge on Camiguin, where it is unmistakable. Dark olive-brown with a pale bill. Forages actively, often in large, vocal flocks. Song consists of a descending series of medium-pitched notes, jumping back to a higher note at the end. Also gives harsh grating calls and nasal screeches.
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