African Red-eyed Bulbul

Overview

The African red-eyed bulbul, also known as the black-fronted bulbul (Pycnonotus nigricans), is a songbird belonging to the family Pycnonotidae. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Ranges from 19 to 21 centimeters (7-8 inches) in length and weighs 30-48 grams (1-1.7 ounces).
• Call is a series of loud fluty notes, usually given only by the male.

Habitat

Found in south-western Africa, specifically in south-western Angola, Namibia, Botswana, western South Africa, and central South Africa. Its natural habitats are dry savanna, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, and riverine scrub.

Diet

Feeds on fruit (including Ficus), flowers, nectar, and insects.

Did you know?

The species is considered to belong to a superspecies that includes the Himalayan bulbul, white-eared bulbul, white-spectacled bulbul, Cape bulbul, and the common bulbul.