Black Bulbul

The black bulbul, or Hypsipetes leucocephalus, is a distinctive member of the bulbul family. It is a medium-sized bird, approximately 24-25 cm in length, with a long tail and a body that varies in color from slate grey to shimmering black across its subspecies. Notably, the species exhibits a black fluffy crest on its head, and both the beak and legs are a rich orange-red, adding a splash of color to its otherwise dark appearance.

Identification Tips

When identifying the black bulbul, look for the orange-red bill and legs, which contrast with the bird's dark plumage. The head bears a fluffy crest, and while the sexes are similar in plumage, juveniles can be distinguished by their lack of a crest, a grey breast band, and a brownish tinge to their upperparts. They also have a black streak behind the eye and on the ear coverts.

Habitat

The black bulbul is typically found in broad-leaved forests, cultivated areas, and gardens, favoring hilly regions. During the winter months, populations from the Himalayas may descend to the adjacent plains.

Distribution

This species has a range that extends from the Himalayas in India, eastward through Southeast Asia. It is a bird well-acquainted with altitude, though not averse to lower elevations during certain seasons.

Behaviour

Black bulbuls are social creatures, often seen in small groups. They are known for their agility in flight and their active foraging behavior, as they search for food in trees and shrubs.

Song & Calls

The black bulbul is a vocal bird, producing a variety of loud calls that include cheeping, mewing, and grating sounds. The Himalayan subspecies is noted for a call that is reminiscent of a goat kid, accompanied by a distinctive neck-throwing gesture.

Breeding

Nest building is a joint effort for black bulbuls, with both sexes contributing to the construction. Their nests are cups made of grass, leaves, moss, and cobwebs, lined with soft materials like ferns and rootlets. They typically lay two to three eggs per clutch.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the black bulbul consists mainly of seeds and insects. They have a particular fondness for berries and are known to consume a variety of them, including those from Celtis and Rosa plants. Additionally, they feed on nectar from flowers such as Salmalia and Rhododendron, and will make aerial sallies to catch insects.

Conservation status

The black bulbul is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline or habitat loss at a global scale.