- Black Bulbul
Taxobox
name = Black Bulbul
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1
status_ref = [IUCN2006|assessors=BirdLife International |year=2004|id=52303|title=Hypsipetes leucocephalus|downloaded=12 May 2006 Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern]
image_width = 240px
regnum =Animal ia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo =Passeriformes
familia = Pycnonotidae
genus = "Hypsipetes "
species = "H. leucocephalus"
binomial = "Hypsipetes leucocephalus"
binomial_authority = Müller, 1776
synonyms = "Hypsipetes madagascariensis"The Black Bulbul ("Hypsipetes leucocephalus") is a member of the
bulbul family ofpasserine bird s. It is a resident breeder fromMadagascar and the islands of theIndian Ocean into tropical southernAsia fromIndia andSri Lanka east to southernChina .There are a number of subspecies across this huge range, mostly varying in the shade of the body plumage.
This bird is found in broad-leaved forests and cultivation. It builds its nest in a tree or bush; two to four eggs is a typical clutch.
The Black Bulbul is 24-25cm in length, with a long tail. The body plumage ranges from slate grey to shimmering black, depending on the race. The beak, legs, and feet are all red and the head has a black fluffy crest.
Sexes are similar in plumage, but young birds lack the crest, have whitish underparts with a grey breast band, and have a brown tint to the upperparts.
Black Bulbuls feed mainly on seeds and insects, and they are often seen in small groups, either roosting or flying about in search of food. They are particularly fond of berries. They can be quite noisy, making various loud "miao" calls.
References
Bibliography
* "Birds of India" by Grimmett, Inskipp and Inskipp, ISBN 0-691-04910-6
Gallery
Images from Kullu-Manali Distt. of Himachal Pradesh, India.
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