Yellow-vented Bulbul
Pycnonotus goiavier
The most common urban bulbul in Southeast Asia, this attractive songster is a common sight in cities, parks, and plantations, as well as in open forests, edges, and secondary growth. Brown above and whitish below with a bright yellow vent and a thick black line between the bill and the eye. Front edge of the weak, slightly peaked crest is also dark. Gives rolling, variable song and bubbly multiple-note calls.
Taxonomy
The yellow-vented bulbul was originally classified in the genus Muscicapa.<p>Six subspecies are recognized:
- Scientific name
- Pycnonotus goiavier
- Authority
- (Scopoli, 1786)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pycnonotidae
- Genus
- Pycnonotus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The yellow-vented bulbul builds a well-camouflaged but fragile, loose, deep, cup-shaped circular nest from grass, leaves, roots, vine stems, and twigs. The nest is untidy on the outside, but neatly lined with plant fibers. It may be built in a wide range of places from low bushes to high trees. This is a species adapted to humans and may even nest in gardens. The yellow-vented bulbul lays 2–5 eggs from February to June.<p>The yellow-vented bulbul eats berries and small fruits. They also sip nectar, nibble on young shoots, and consume some insects.
Conservation
- Population trend
- rising
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds

Bearded Tachuri
Polystictus pectoralis
A small attractive flycatcher. Males have a striking face pattern with a black crown hiding concealed white feathers and a black face that contrasts with its brown back. Note the rusty rump and cinnamon wash below. Females have a brown crown and a buff face with a whitish throat. Occurs in native grasslands and savannas with scattered shrubs.

Wallace's Owlet-nightjar
Aegotheles wallacii
A medium-sized owlet-nightjar of foothill forests. Dark brown wings and tail with barring and some additional white flecks on the wings. Dark head, whitish belly and buffy base to the chest covered with irregular, dark arrowhead marks. Potentially co-occurs with Mountain, Vogelkop and Barred Owlet-Nightjars, but Wallace’s lacks the distinct barring of Barred and Vogelkop, and the pale collar of all 3 species. Voice a simple, whistled “pweet pyuut” with the first note falling and second lower. Sometimes just one of these notes given.

Lava Gull
Leucophaeus fuliginosus
Distinctive gull endemic to Galápagos. Adult is easy to identify by sooty-gray body, black head, white crescents above and below eye, and pale rump. Juvenile is grayish brown with tan scaling on the back and wings, and a pale rump. Found along the coast, almost never venturing inland or very far out to sea. Forages along beaches and rocky shorelines, and often perches on boats and docks. It has the smallest population of any gull in the world, estimated at less than 1000 birds.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.