Styan's Bulbul

Overview

Styan's bulbul (Pycnonotus taivanus) is a species of bulbul endemic to eastern and southern Taiwan. Although locally common in some areas, it is classified as Vulnerable due to habitat destruction and hybridisation with the Chinese or light-vented bulbul.

Identification

• Features a completely black crown with white feathers around the eye.
• Distinguished by a black moustachial stripe below the beak.
• Visually similar to the light-vented bulbul, differing primarily in head patterns.

Habitat

Endemic to eastern and southern Taiwan, with an overlapping range with the light-vented bulbul in certain areas. The species has already become extinct in Yilan County.

Did you know?

The decline of the species has been accelerated by the release of the closely related light-vented bulbul for Buddhist ceremonies, leading to hybridisation.