Black-crested Bulbul

Overview

The black-crested bulbul (Rubigula flaviventris) is a passerine bird within the bulbul family, found across a range extending from the Indian subcontinent to southeast Asia. It is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• A medium-sized bird measuring 18.5–19.5 cm in length with a distinct black head and crest.
• Plumage features a greenish-yellow upper body, yellow underparts, and a greenish-black tail.
• Possesses a black bill and feet, with males and females appearing similar in plumage.
• Subspecies R. f. johnsoni is distinguished by a red throat.

Habitat

This species inhabits forests and dense scrub across its range, which includes Nepal, northern and eastern India, southern China, central and eastern Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and the northern Malay Peninsula.

Diet

The black-crested bulbul feeds on fruit and insects. It constructs its nest within a bush, typically laying a clutch of two to four eggs.

Did you know?

Until 2008, the black-crested bulbul was considered conspecific with the black-capped, ruby-throated, flame-throated, and Bornean bulbuls, but molecular phylogenetic studies later confirmed them as distinct species.