Known for its melodious calls, the straw-headed bulbul has been hunted to extinction across much of its range in Southeast Asia. Once widespread, relentless trapping has resulted in its disappearance in Java, Thailand and possibly Sumatra. The populations of this species in Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia are on a steep decline.

Globally, there are between 600 and 1700 wild straw-headed bulbul, of which about 200 can be found in Singapore, making our sunny island a stronghold for the species. At least half of Singapore’s population can be found on Pulau Ubin. The remainder can be found at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and the Western Catchment Area. Straw-headed bulbuls can be sighted in Singapore Zoo and the surrounding area.