Bulbuls … Bulbul Photo Gallery
The Black Bulbul (Hypsipetes leucocephalus) is also known as the Himalayan Black Bulbul. It was formerly considered a subspecies of a widespread Madagascar Bulbul (Hypsipetes madagascariensis).
Within Asia, H. ganeesa – from the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka,- has often been listed as a subspecies of H. leucocephalus, but is increasingly treated as a separate species – the Square-tailed Black Bulbul.
Distribution / Range
They are found in southern Asia from India east to southern China.
This bird is found in broad-leaved forests and cultivation. It builds its nest in a tree or bush; two to four eggs is a typical clutch.
They are often seen in small groups, either roosting or flying about in search of food.
Description:
The Black Bulbul is 24-25cm in length, with a long tail. The body plumage ranges from slate grey to shimmering black, depending on the race. The beak, legs, and feet are all red and the head has a black fluffy crest.
Males and females look alike.
Juveniles lack the crest, have whitish underparts with a grey breast band, and have a brown tint to the upperparts.
A number of subspecies exist across this large range, mostly varying in the shade of the plumage, which ranges from grey to black. Some white-headed morphs have also been recorded.
Diet / Feeding:
Black Bulbuls feed mainly on seeds, insects and berries.
Call / Vocalization:
These birds can be quite noisy, making various loud miao calls.
Species Research by Sibylle Johnson
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