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Straw-Headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus zeylanicus)

With an average beak-to-tail lenghth of 28 cm, the straw-headed bulbul is one of the largest members of the fruit-and-insect-eating bulbul family, and is found throughout the lowland and hill forests of Borneo and Sumatra. Unlike many bulbuls, it is a rather shy, inconspicuous bird that is heard more often than seen, and is distinguished by its clear, ringing, melodious song.

It is primarily this haunting song that has made the straw-headed bulbul an endangered species. It is hugely popular as a cage bird throughout Southeast Asia - especially in Java where it often features in traditional bird singing contests - and therefore faces constant pressure from illegal trappers.