Seychelles Bulbul
Hypsipetes crassirostris
A medium-sized gray bird with a black cap and a carrot-colored bill. Endemic to the granitic Seychelles. Found in virtually all habitats with a woody component, including forest, woodland, scrub, villages, and plantations. Often in small, noisy groups. The song is an unmusical series of rattling and scraping notes, often given from a high perch. The calls include a “chek” note and a long, whining call.
Taxonomy
Alternative names for the Seychelles bulbul include the Seychelles black bulbul and thick-billed bulbul. The species is very closely related to both the Grand Comoro bulbul and the Moheli bulbul.
- Scientific name
- Hypsipetes crassirostris
- Authority
- Newton, E, 1867
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pycnonotidae
- Genus
- Hypsipetes
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The Seychelles bulbul is social, living in pairs, family groups or small flocks in forest and woodland from the sea to the granitic mountains. The Seychelles bulbul is monogamous and territorial in the breeding season. The territory is about 200 m (660 ft) in diameter. It is defended against other bulbuls and potential predators with loud alarm calls, and even large intruders, including man, can be mobbed. A helper, probably a previous offspring, is tolerated but not allowed to approach the nest.<p>The breeding season of this bird usually begins at the start of the monsoon, around October to January, although breeding can occur at any time. It builds a circular nest out of palm fibres, leaves, twigs and moss in a forked tree branch, usually 10 m or more above the ground. Two whitish eggs with spots are usually laid per season, although in most cases only one chick is successfully raised to fledging age. Incubation lasts for 15 days and fledging occurs 21 days after hatching, but young fledglings will accompany adults after fledging, possibly to learn foraging skills.<p>The species is omnivorous, taking fruit, flowers, eggs, and insects gleaned from foliage or hawked during short flights. They are very aggressive towards other bird species, chasing away birds as large as green-backed herons from areas in which they are feeding.
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis
Rhabdornis inornatus
A medium-sized bird of foothill and lower montane forest with a white throat and belly, brown upperparts, darker wings and tail, a black mask, a gray crown, and pale brown sides broadly streaked white. Often perches on dead branches. Similar to Stripe-sided Rhabdornis, but usually found at higher elevations, and has a shorter, thicker bill and a crown that is gray rather than streaked white. Voice includes high-pitched chips, sometimes given in rapid series.
Red Collared-Dove
Streptopelia tranquebarica
Medium-sized dove of open spaces with trees and bushes. Male is red with a bluish-gray head and female is brown overall. Both sexes have a dark collar. Female may be confused with other collared-doves, but is smaller with a shorter tail. Often forages in pairs, but may congregate in large flocks, particularly in agricultural fields where seeds have been spilled. Song is a hoarse and muffled-sounding series of three or four hoots.
Cetti's Warbler
Cettia cetti
Dumpy and broad-tailed warbler, warm brown above and pale grayish below, with a narrow eyebrow. Can be quite inconspicuous in dense vegetation. On breeding grounds, favors tangled vegetation near water, including reedy marshes with bushes and scrub. Often heard but rarely seen. Explosive, rich staccato song often draws attention: oftentimes, a bird sings once from cover, then moves to another concealed spot and sings once again, not the persistent singing from a single perch that typifies many warblers. Winters in a range of habitats with dense vegetation, including drier areas. Calls include a sharp “pik!”, a lower “chup”, and a dry rattle comparable to that of a sparrow.
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