Common Bulbul
Pycnonotus barbatus
Rather nondescript thrush-sized brown bird with a darker face and throat. The belly is pallid and the undertail white (north part of range) or yellow (south part of range). Often in small flocks and not easily missed due to its noisy, repetitive, and powerful song. Also frequently makes harsh chattering calls. Present in many wooded habitats, absent only from dense forest or treeless desert. Often found in well-vegetated areas in dry landscapes such as gardens, orchards, and oases.
Identification
The common bulbul (Pycnonotus barbatus) is a member of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is widespread throughout most of Africa except for the very arid areas, and has recently begun breeding in southernmost Spain. Ten subspecies are recognised based on the geographical variation in plumage. Some of these were formerly considered as separate species: Dodson's bulbul, the Somali bulbul and the dark-capped bulbul.
Taxonomy
Genus: Pycnonotus; Family: Pycnonotidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Pycnonotus barbatus
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pycnonotidae
- Genus
- Pycnonotus
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Greenish Yellow-Finch
Sicalis olivascens
Common in foothills of the Andes, from barren rocky canyons to villages, agricultural terraces, and scrubby hillsides, mainly at lower elevations than Bright-rumped Yellow-Finch, which favors puna habitats. Male is well-named—drab greenish yellow overall. Female is notably drab and nondescript. In all plumages note lack of any streaking or contrastingly bright yellow areas. Compare with longer-winged Greater Yellow-Finch (some overlap of range in winter).
Vanuatu Honeyeater
Gliciphila notabilis
A distinctive honeyeater, mostly dark rich brown above and white below with brownish streaks. Face entirely mottled gray and white. Bill long and decurved. Primarily found in highland montane forest, but often down to sea level. Most common vocalization is a loud, far-carrying “tyauu.”
Glaucous-blue Grosbeak
Cyanoloxia glaucocaerulea
A medium-sized bulky finchlike species with a small head and a thick bill. Males are blue overall with a glossy blue forehead and rump. Females are dark-brown above and paler below. Found at the edges of second growth and woodlands, typically singly or in pairs and normally very shy. Considered a partial austral migrant, moving a bit further north from the southern limit of its range in winter.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.