Ruby-throated Bulbul
Rubigula dispar
Eye-catching medium-sized bulbul, endemic to Java, Sumatra, and Bali, where it inhabits open wooded habitats. Combination of jet-black head, golden-yellow body, and blood-red throat make this species unmistakable. Small crest is often raised, giving the bird a comical triangular-headed appearance. Adults have bright red eyes, whereas juveniles have pale ones. Song is a rather quiet and mellow “wee-dih’deedee!” Unfortunately declining in many areas as a result of the cagebird trade, and is now fairly localized, despite its ability to live in scrubby and degraded areas.
Identification
It is virtually crestless, has a deep red throat and reddish eyes.
Taxonomy
The ruby-throated bulbul was originally described in the genus Turdus and later moved to genus Pycnonotus. Pycnonotus was found to be polyphyletic in recent molecular phylogenetic studies and five bulbul species, including the ruby-throated bulbul, moved to Rubigula. Until 2008, the ruby-throated bulbul was considered as conspecific with the black-capped, black-crested, flame-throated and Bornean bulbuls. Some authorities have considered the ruby-throated bulbul to be a subspecies of the black-capped bulbul.
- Scientific name
- Rubigula dispar
- Authority
- (Horsfield, 1821)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pycnonotidae
- Genus
- Rubigula
Range and habitat
This is a bird of forest and dense scrub.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
It builds its nest in a bush; two to four eggs are a typical clutch. The ruby-throated bulbul feeds on fruit and insects.
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Tumbes Hummingbird
Thaumasius baeri
A plain hummingbird found in dry forest and scrub in southwestern Ecuador and northwestern Peru. It is dull green with light gray underparts, a white spot behind the eye, and a thick, slightly curved bill. Some birds show very faint spots on the throat. Similar to Spot-throated Hummingbird, but throat markings are much less conspicuous or entirely absent. Ranges are also different; Tumbes Hummingbird is found only on the Pacific side of the Andes and does not reach the Marañon drainage.
American Pygmy Kingfisher
Chloroceryle aenea
Tiny kingfisher of shady forest streams and mangroves. Often darts away when disturbed, but can be confiding if approached quietly and usually perches fairly low over the water. About half of the size of Green Kingfisher, and easily distinguished by rusty underparts and poorly contrasting pale neck collar (bright white on Green Kingfisher). Female has a narrow green breast band, lacking on male.
Stub-tailed Antbird
Sipia berlepschi
Fairly small, chunky, and short-tailed antbird. Male is jet black. Female looks like a starry night sky: mostly black with a sprinkle of white spots on the chest and shoulders. Restricted to western Colombia and northwest Ecuador; mainly occurs in the lowlands and into the lower foothills. Skulky and difficult to see in the undergrowth of mature forest edge and second growth, usually in pairs.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.