English: Scientific name: Pycnonotus cafer

Higher classification: Pycnonotus Rank: Species

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The red-vented bulbul is a member of the bulbul family of passerines. It is resident breeder across the Indian subcontinent, Red-vented bulbuls feed on fruits, petals of flowers, nectar, insects and occasionally geckos.

Identification Red-vented bulbuls are slim, starling-sized songbirds with predominantly dark plumage. They are typically bold and conspicuous, with repetitive, monotonous calls. Their slim build and curved bill are reminiscent of a honey eater (e.g. bellbird or tui), although they are not closely related. The two most distinctive identification features are a small erectile crest on the crown (giving them a square-headed Roman helmet look when the crest is raised) and the diagnostic bright red patch between the base of the legs and the undertail. The head, hindneck and upper breast are glossy black, with a circular brown patch over the ear. This dark hood becomes streaked or scaly on the lower breast and merges into the pale grey belly. The upper wings and mantle are mid-brown with pale margins when in fresh plumage, creating a scaly appearance. The rump is white, and the tail is long and blackish with a prominent white tip. The bill, eyes and legs are dark. The sexes are alike, although males are slightly larger. Juveniles are dull brown with an orange or pinkish (cf. red) vent. Voice: a wide range of calls, from clear whistles to harsh chattering. The usual calls are a 2-3 syllable whistle pee-plo, pee-pee-plo or 'ginger-beer', and a harsh double croak cark-cark. Loud scolding or chattering alarm calls may be directed at predators.

Behavior and ecology

Red-vented bulbuls are active and restless. They have a direct flight with rapid wingbeat, or may undulate over short distances, displaying the bold white rump. They often hawk for insects, with conspicuous fluttering beyond the foliage of shrubs and trees. Once established, red-vented bulbuls form flocks when not breeding.