When birders talk about bulbuls, the conversation usually turns to the more familiar species that are found in gardens and secondary forests across Asia. However, the Cachar Bulbul (Iole cacharensis) tells a quieter and more specialised story, one that is deeply rooted in the humid forests of north-east India and western Myanmar. For birders interested in feeding ecology and forest dynamics, this species provides a fascinating case study of how subtle foraging strategies can influence survival in complex tropical ecosystems.
A Midstory Specialist in Dense Forests
Unlike many open-habitat bulbuls, the Cachar Bulbul is closely tied to the interiors of evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, particularly the midstory and lower canopy. According to field observations summarised by BirdLife International and the Handbook of the Birds of the World (HBW Alive), the species is consistently found well away from forest edges or human-modified landscapes.
This vertical niche is important. The midstory is where light, fruit availability and insect abundance intersect, creating a dynamic feeding zone. By staying mostly between 5 and 20 metres above the ground, Cachar bulbuls minimise competition with ground-feeding birds while avoiding the exposed conditions of the upper canopy.
A Fruit-Forward Diet—with Insects on the Side
At its core, the Cachar Bulbul is primarily frugivorous. Small berries and soft fruits—especially figs and other native forest fruits—make up the bulk of its diet. These fruits are swallowed whole, allowing the bird to act as an effective seed disperser, a role increasingly recognized as vital for forest regeneration in tropical systems.
That said, the species is not strictly fruit-dependent. During the breeding season or periods of low fruit availability, Cachar Bulbuls regularly supplement their diet with arthropods, including caterpillars, beetles, and other soft-bodied insects. This dietary flexibility provides essential protein, particularly for egg production and chick development.
For birders, this explains why the species is often observed gleaning insects from leaves or making short, controlled sallies to snatch prey mid-air—behavior more commonly associated with flycatchers than bulbuls.
Foraging Techniques: Subtle but Efficient
Cachar Bulbuls are not flashy feeders. Their foraging style is best described as deliberate and economical. Most feeding occurs through:
Leaf-gleaning, where the bird inspects foliage at close range
Fruit plucking, often while perched rather than hovering
Short aerial sallies, typically less than a meter from the perch
These behaviors reduce energy expenditure while maintaining a steady intake of food—an efficient strategy in dense forests where long flights offer little advantage.
Seasonal Shifts and Local Movement
Although the Cachar Bulbul is considered non-migratory, its foraging behavior changes subtly with the seasons. Fruit availability in tropical forests is highly seasonal, and birds must track these shifts at a local scale.
Rather than long-distance movements, Cachar Bulbuls appear to engage in micro-movements, adjusting their daily foraging routes to follow fruiting trees. This behavior aligns with patterns documented in other forest-dependent frugivores and underscores the importance of intact forest mosaics.
Mixed-Species Flocks: Safety and Information
One of the most interesting aspects of Cachar Bulbul feeding ecology is its tendency to join mixed-species foraging flocks. In these loosely organized groups, different bird species move through the forest together, benefiting from shared vigilance and improved foraging efficiency.
For the Cachar Bulbul, mixed flocks likely provide:
Early warning of predators
Access to disturbed insects
Reduced individual vigilance costs
This social foraging strategy is common in tropical forests but rarely highlighted in popular birding literature—making it a compelling angle for deeper exploration.
Why Feeding Ecology Matters for Conservation
Understanding how the Cachar Bulbul feeds helps explain why it is highly sensitive to habitat loss. Species that rely on specific forest layers and fruiting trees are far less adaptable to deforestation or fragmentation than generalist feeders.
As BirdLife International notes, ongoing forest degradation in its limited range poses a long-term risk—not just to the bird itself, but to the ecological processes it supports, including seed dispersal.
For birders and conservation-minded readers alike, the Cachar Bulbul is a reminder that feeding behavior is never just about food. It is about forests, seasons, social systems, and the delicate balance that keeps tropical ecosystems alive.
