From Opus

Alternative names: Garden Bulbul; Somali Bulbul; Dodson's Bulbul; Dark-capped Bulbul

Pycnonotus barbatus

Photo by Momo from Ourzazate, Morocco

Photo by Sal
Location: Kruger National Park, South Africa, Dark-capped Bulbul (see taxonomy)

[edit] Identification

Only Pycnonotus bulbul in most of its range and therefore generally easily identified.

18cm. Dark brown above and head, grey brown below, white or yellow vent according to subspecies. Sexes similar.

[edit] Distribution

It is widespread and often common in Africa.

[edit] Taxonomy

Clements accepts 10 subspecies.
Sibley and Monroe propose to split this species into 4 species:

• Garden Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus from Northern Africa south to Congo-Brazzaville and Ethiopia, with the exception of the Sahara and other arid regions where generally absent.
• Dodson's Bulbul Pycnonotus dodsoni
• Dark-capped Bulbul Pycnonotus tricolor
• Somali Bulbul Pycnonotus somaliensis

However, neither Howard and Moore nor Clements accept this split, neither does the Handbook of the Birds of the World.
This split is mainly based on morphology, especially in colour of vent (whitish or yellow), presence/absence of a white patch on the auriculars, and exact chest pattern. They interbreed widely at most localities where they meet.

[edit] Habitat

Virtually any habitat with some trees, but generally avoid dense forest.

[edit] Behaviour

It nests in a tree or bush; 2-3 eggs are laid.

The diet includes fruit and insects.

An adaptable and very bold bird which readily adapts to life alongside humans.

[edit] Vocalisation

Call: loud doctor-quick doctor-quick be-quick be-quick.

[edit] References

Wikipedia

[edit] External Links