White-throated Bulbul
Tristan Jobin · CC_BY_4_0 via GBIF
White-throated Bulbul
desertnaturalist · CC_BY_4_0 via GBIF
White-throated Bulbul
Wang.QG · CC_BY_4_0 via GBIF
White-throated Bulbul
Sun Jiao · CC_BY_4_0 via GBIF
White-throated Bulbul
Sun Jiao · CC_BY_4_0 via GBIF

White-throated Bulbul

Alophoixus flaveolus

黄腹冠鹎

IUCN: Least Concern Found in China

Introduction

The white-throated bulbul (Alophoixus) is a member of the Pycnonotidae family. It occupies foothill forests in south-eastern Asia, ranging from the eastern Himalayan region through Myanmar to western Thailand. Its habitat consists of subtropical and tropical moist lowland forest environments. The species typically forages in the middle to upper forest strata and associates with mixed-species flocks that include other bulbul species and forest-dwelling passerines. It shares its common name with several other unrelated bulbul species.

Identification

Birdwatchers should be aware that this species' common name is shared with several other unrelated bulbuls in the region, including the white-throated greenbul, eastern bearded greenbul, puff-throated bulbul, and yellow-bellied bulbul. Regional field guides often use overlapping common names, creating potential for misidentification. The white-throated bulbul can be distinguished from similar species by its combination of white throat feathering and the ash-gray coloration on the face and front that gives rise to one of its alternate names. When identifying this species in the field, careful attention should be paid to the specific facial pattern and throat coloration, as these provide the most reliable distinguishing characteristics separating it from other bulbul species occurring in the same geographic areas.

Distribution & Habitat

This species occupies a range extending from the eastern Himalayas westward through Myanmar to western Thailand, with two recognized subspecies dividing this range geographically. The nominate subspecies inhabits the northern portion from the eastern Himalayas to northern Myanmar, while the burmanicus subspecies occurs in southeastern Myanmar, southern China, and western Thailand. The species shows a preference for subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests as its primary habitat, though it may occur in adjacent forest edge habitats where suitable vegetation remains. No information is provided regarding migratory movements, suggesting this is primarily a resident species within its established range. The species' distribution appears to follow the availability of appropriate forest habitats throughout its range.

Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0

Taxonomy

Order
Passeriformes
Family
Pycnonotidae
Genus
Alophoixus
eBird Code
whtbul1

Vocalizations

Sabarni Sarker · CC0_1_0

Subspecies (2)

  • Alophoixus flaveolus burmanicus

    southwestern China (western Yunnan) to southeastern Myanmar to western Thailand

  • Alophoixus flaveolus flaveolus

    Himalayas (Nepal to northeastern Myanmar)

Data Sources

Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.

Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.