Styan's Bulbul
Pycnonotus taivanus
Relatively plain songbird, olive above, whitish below, with black cap, white face, and black moustachial mark. Somewhat similar to more widespread Light-vented Bulbul, with which it hybridizes, but adult Styan’s has heavier bill, solidly black cap, white plumage surrounding the eye, and small red dot in black moustachial stripe (difficult to see). Juvenile duller above (greenish in wings), white below, lacking strong head pattern. Inhabits open forest, forest edge, parks, and gardens. Often perches on telephone poles or fences, from which it gives a melodic song similar to that of Light-vented but higher in pitch and more musical.
Identification
Styan's bulbul has a very similar appearance to the light-vented bulbul, but they differ in the patterns on the head. Styan's bulbul has a completely black crown with white feathers around its eye, except for a black moustachial stripe below the beak. Hybrids are intermediate between the two species, with the moustachial stripe and white feathers around the eye, but the white feathers extend behind the crown.
Taxonomy
Alternate names for Styan's bulbul include the Formosan black-headed bulbul and Taiwan black-headed bulbul. The latter name is also used to refer to a subspecies of the light-vented bulbul.
- Scientific name
- Pycnonotus taivanus
- Authority
- Styan, 1893
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pycnonotidae
- Genus
- Pycnonotus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Tiny woodpecker, common and widespread across much of North America. Black-and-white plumage is nearly identical to the larger Hairy Woodpecker. Focus on the bill: Downy has a very short bill, much shorter than the length of the head. Also note the small black markings on the white outer tail feathers. Pacific population has smaller white spots on the wing and a grayer body than Eastern birds. Occurs in any wooded habitat, though western birds are more restricted to riparian areas. Often forages on smaller branches than Hairy Woodpecker. Familiar visitor to backyard feeders, especially fond of suet. Calls include a soft “pik!” and descending rattle, weaker than Hairy Woodpecker.
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Small, gray flycatcher lacking strong markings. Note its peaked crown and yellow lower half off bill. Some birds may show faint wingbars and a slight yellowish cast to the belly. Little overlap with other pewees; in the Andes it might be found together with Eastern Wood-Pewee or Western Wood-Pewee during the northern winter. Southern Tropical Pewee has shorter wings, a longer tail, and may show a faint spot between the bill and eye. Voice is the most reliable way to separate them. Listen for an explosive “CHIpeer” as well as a series of sharp chip notes. Typically encountered at forest edge or in clearings. Often perches on an exposed branch, from which it flies out to chase insects in looping, acrobatic sallies.
Yellow-footed Green-Pigeon
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Brightly-colored pigeon with significant regional variation. Look for a gray “shoulder strap” and yellow legs. South Asian birds are the brightest, with an orange-yellow neck and green underparts. Southeast Asian birds have more extensive gray on the underparts. Sexes are similar. Found in lowland forest and forest edge, as well as parks, gardens, and orchards; a common urban bird in much of its South Asian range. Not extremely vocal; occasionally gives cooing whistles.
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