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Striped-throated Bulbul

on 11th June 2008

The Striped-throated Bulbul (Pycnonotus finlaysoni) is a dull-coloured bird distinguished by the yellow head-streaks (above). Its other distinguishing feature which may not always be present is the tiny red supraloral spot, characteristic of the nominate race that is found in Peninsular Malaysia. This bulbul is not found in Singapore.

Layhwee came across a family of three, two adults and a recently fledged chick in Bukit Tinggi, Malaysia in May 2008 (above).

The fledgling was naturally hungry and constantly begging for food (below). The adults were kept busy feeding it, mostly arthropods, probably insects.

These birds are found among secondary growths and open areas as well as urban areas. They are generalists, feeding on fruits and insects.

They breed between February to September, making deep, see-through cup-shaped nests of fibres and grasses, the outside incorporated with dead leaves for camouflage. Usually two eggs are laid and in this case only one is hatched. Both adults tend to the fledgling.

Unfortunately, breeding information is sketchy. Photographers, and hopefully birders, can record such observations.

All images by Layhwee.

This post is a cooperative effort between www.naturepixels.org and BESG to bring the study of bird behaviour through photography to a wider audience.

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

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