Black Bulbul

Overview

The black bulbul, also known as the Himalayan or Asian black bulbul, is a passerine bird found primarily in the Himalayas with a range extending from Pakistan to Southeast Asia. It is the type species of the genus Hypsipetes and is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Size: 24–25 cm in length with a long tail.
• Plumage: Body ranges from slate grey to shimmering black; head features a black fluffy crest and a black streak behind the eye and on the ear coverts. Some subspecies exhibit white-headed morphs.
• Bill and Legs: Both are a rich orange-red colour.
• Behaviour: Males and females appear identical to the human eye but differ in ultraviolet plumage reflectivity; young birds lack the crest and have whitish underparts.

Habitat

This species inhabits broad-leaved forests, cultivation, and gardens, mainly in hilly areas. Its range stretches from the Kunar Valley in north-eastern Afghanistan and northern Pakistan through the central Himalayas to south-eastern China and Indochina. Populations in the Himalayas occasionally descend into adjoining plains during winter.

Diet

Black bulbuls feed mainly on seeds, insects, and berries, with a particular fondness for fruits such as Celtis, Rosa, Melia, and Ehretia in the Himalayas. They also consume the nectar of Salmalia, Erythrina, and Rhododendron. They are often seen foraging in small groups and make aerial sallies to catch insects.

Did you know?

Although males and females are visually indistinguishable to humans, significant differences in ultraviolet plumage reflectivity allow the birds to distinguish their own sexes easily. In Formosan mythology, the red-billed black bulbul is credited with donating fire and millet to survivors of a global flood.