Black Bulbul

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Black Bulbul

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Pycnonotidae
Genus:	Hypsipetes
Species:	H. leucocephalus

Binomial name

Hypsipetes leucocephalus
Müller, 1776

Synonyms

Hypsipetes madagascariensis

The Black Bulbul (Hypsipetes leucocephalus) is a member of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is a resident breeder from Madagascar and the islands of the Indian Ocean into tropical southern Asia from India and Sri Lanka east to southern China.

There are a number of subspecies across this huge range, mostly varying in the shade of the body plumage.

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.

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.

Sexes are similar in plumage, but young birds lack the crest, have whitish underparts with a grey breast band, and have a brown tint to the upperparts.

Black Bulbuls feed mainly on seeds and insects, and they are often seen in small groups, either roosting or flying about in search of food. They are particularly fond of berries. They can be quite noisy, making various loud miao calls.