Réunion Bulbul

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Réunion Bulbul
Conservation status
Least Concern
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Passeriformes Family: Pycnonotidae Genus: Hypsipetes Species: H. borbonicus
Binomial name
Hypsipetes borbonicus J. R. Forster, 1781

The Réunion Bulbul (Hypsipetes borbonicus), also known as Olivaceous Bulbul is a passerine endemic to Réunion.

[edit] Description

It looks similar to the Mauritius Bulbul but with 22 cm it is slightly smaller. It is ashy gray with a blackish crest. The iris is conspicious white. Bill and feet have an orange hue. Its diet is primarily frugivorous. Especially in February and March it came from higher elevations where it inhabits second growth moists forests to the valleys and fed on the ripe guavas. Nectar, insects and small lizards enriches its range of food. The female lays two eggs in a cup shaped nest during the southern summer.

[edit] Threats

It is quite uncommon due to the competition of the Red-whiskered Bulbul and poaching. In the earlier days of Réunion it was hunted and served as a dish which was compared with the Ortolan Bunting. Even in the 1970s it was a game-bird. It is also kept as pet.

[edit] References

• Staub, France (1976), Birds of the Mascarenes and Saint Brandon, LABAMA HOUSE, Port Louis, Mauritius
• BirdLife International (2004). Hypsipetes borbonicus. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 5 September 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern