Obi Golden-Bulbul Hypsipetes lucasi Scientific name definitions

21 cm. The Obi Golden-Bulbul is a large, conspicuous, olive-and-yellow bulbul with a long bill and weak rictal bristles. The adult has pale olive-green upperparts, including the nape and crown. It has pale yellow underparts including face and ear coverts, as well as a loral spot and a blackish mark running from bill to malar. It is reported to have deep brown irides , a pale olive-green bill (darker on culmen), and bluish-gray legs and feet. Sexes are alike. Juveniles are not described.

The Obi Golden-Bulbul was until recently considered conspecific with Sula Golden-Bulbul (Hypsipetes longirostris), but this was split into multiple species (1 Collar, N. J., J. A. Eaton, and R. O. Hutchinson (2013). Species limits in the Golden Bulbul Alophoixus (Thapsinillas) affinis complex. Forktail 29:19–24. Close ). The present species differs from the three geographically closest taxa as follows. The Obi Golden-Bulbul differs from Sula Golden-Bulbul in its smaller size (effect size for bill –6.03; score 3); large round yellow versus olive-green lores (3); all-olive-gray versus bright yellow-fringed (on inner webs) rectrices (3); narrow whitish versus narrow yellow inner fringes of tertials (1); and yellower ear coverts (ns[1]). The Obi Golden-Bulbul differs from Seram Golden-Bulbul (Hypsipetes affinis) in its smaller size (effect size for bill –4.83; score 2); larger, rounder yellow lores (2); yellower ear coverts and submoustachial area (at least 1); paler, less extensive olive green on its breast and flanks (ns[1]); lack of yellow tips on its uppertail coverts (ns[1]); olive-gray versus broadly yellow-tipped and edged rectrices with an entirely bright yellow undertail (3). The Obi Golden-Bulbul differs from Buru Golden-Bulbul (Hypsipetes mysticalis) in its shorter bill, tarsus, and tail (effect size for bill –3.22; score 2); larger, much rounder yellow lores (2); lack of yellow partial eyering (2); largely yellow chin to vent versus largely yellow tinged olive chin to vent (3); and its yellower ear coverts (ns[1]). Moreover, limited evidence suggests its voice is distinctive, and this was supported by recently published descriptions (2 Eaton, J. A., B. van Balen, N. W. Brickle, and F. E. Rheindt (2016). Birds of the Indonesian Archipelago: Greater Sundas and Wallacea. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona, Spain. Close ). Differences from Halmahera Golden-Bulbul (Hypsipetes chloris) are described under that species.

Obi (North Moluccas).

It is known to be in most forest types, both primary and secondary, but also degraded areas, scrubby patches at the edges, and in plantations. It has been recorded from around sea level to at least 1210 m.

There is no information on diet. The Obi Golden-Bulbul is usually observed in pairs or small groups of fewer than ten individuals.

Three vocalizations have been documented: (a) a series of 3–4 even-pitched, nasal too-too-too... notes; (b) a single-noted, descending, then rising and high-pitched TSEEoooeeee or tweeuwip that lasts 0.7 seconds and is often heard from groups of birds, reminiscent of Red-flanked Lorikeet (Hypocharmosyna placentis) but without its harsh or scratchy quality; and (c), a thin, high-pitched, sharp zoo-WIT that is repeated regularly. It also has a distinctive, piercing call comprised of 2–3 notes that can be transcribed as pic pic piie.

Virtually nothing is known about Obi Golden-Bulbul breeding, but one individual was seen carrying nest material and another was feeding fledged young. Both birds were in scrub at the edge of a disturbed forest, in December.

The Obi Golden-Bulbul is not globally threatened (Least Concern). It is a restricted-range species: endemic to a single island within the Northern Maluku Endemic Bird Area. It was considered to be relatively common during recent surveys of the island. Its population has not been estimated, but the species’ numbers are believed to be stable in the absence of evidence to the contrary.