Malaysian Birds
Straw-headed Bulbul
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Diagnostic markings :- 29 cm. You cannot find this bird. Instead the bird would announce its whereabouts. Meaning, if the bird is in the vicinity you would be notified by its call. Just a couple of weeks ago that what I thought. I heard its call but as usual this bird like the Hill Mynas remained high in the canopy level. Could not be spotted until it left its perched and flew to the canopy of a lower tree. [1] crown & cheek - Golden-yellowish very prominent [2] nape, mantle, scapulars and the breast with fine and short white steaks. Throat is white and not puffed but the thick black submoustachial ordering the throat is obvious Distribution :- This bird is native to Peninsula Malaysia, used to have them in Southern Thailand as well. Not maybe not! This is a very much sort after bird by the breeders. it's presence easily told by its loud and distinctive calls. Habitats and preferences :- A lowland bird that prefers forest edge with human presence. Among which are plantations, public parks and along major country roads. Mangrove forest is also one of its preference. Somehow all these spots have one property in common - water source. Usually a stream or river, even a fair size pond will do. A common bird in FRIM, Kepong and also in Bagan Sungei Buloh by the sea side. This is the largest Bulbul and a very well sort after as a caged bird. So it is a poachers' favorite. The Striped-throated Bulbul has some resemblances with this bird but easily told apart. The Straw-headed is obviously a large bird when compared to an average Bulbul, the golden marking are more widespread and more distinctive. No way to get confused in the ID for the both. It is not a common bird to encounter, but the pair in FRIM had remained there for years until the last couple of years. There was another family in Kemensah, staying among the house overlooking the fish pond. Funny, these two that I mentioned plus a couple more were all seen near settlements though out in the rural areas. Even the bird in the series of pictures below were at the edge of a Mangrove forest beside the kampong in Bagan Sungei Buloh.
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