Black-capped Bulbul

File:Bcb3.jpg

Photo by Chamith
Kithulgala, Sri Lanka

Pycnonotus melanicterus

Identification

19cm

• Yellow throat
• Glossy black head
• Orange-yellow breast
• Bright olive tail, rounded, with broad whitish corner-tips

Sexes similar

Distribution

Endemic to Sri Lanka
Very common.

Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species.
It was formerly included in Black-crested Bulbul, Pycnonotus melanicterus as nominate subspecies. After the split the remaining subspecies kept the English name but the scientific name has changed to Pycnonotus flaviventris.

Habitat

Forest and dense scrub. Frequents the lower and middle storey.

Behaviour

Often seen in small parties in fruiting trees and shrubs with other bulbuls. Usually delivers its slurred song from low branches or telephone wires in bamboo groves and at hill stations.

Breeding

It builds its nest in a bush; the clutch consisting of 2-4 eggs.

Diet

The diet includes fruit and insects.

References

1. Clements, JF. 2011. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to August 2011. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/downloadable-clements-checklist
2. Rasmussen, PC and JC Anderton. 2005. Birds of South Asia: The Ripley Guide. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8487334672

• List of references

Recommended Citation

• BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Black-capped Bulbul. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 26 April 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Black-capped_Bulbul

External Links

Search for photos of Black-capped Bulbul in the gallery