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
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Ficedula elisae
A colorful, green-suffused flycatcher. Adult male looks like a faded version of a male Narcissus Flycatcher, with bright yellow eyebrows and underparts; greenish tinge to the upperparts is distinctive and unmistakable. Overall paler and less contrasting patterning, combined with prominent dark eyes, conveys a gentle appearance. Female very similar to female Narcissus, but has a faded-yellow belly and a green-tinged head and back; brighter female Narcissus Flycatchers can have a green tinge, too, but it is usually weaker and restricted to the upper half of the back. Breeds in hilly and submontane mixed broadleaf forests, and winters in open forests and forest edges. Song is a rambling series of somewhat scratchy-sounding warbling notes.
Malagasy Kingfisher
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Small, gem-like wetland kingfisher. Found in almost all habitats with water, including streams, rivers, lakes, rice paddies, and along the coast. Sits motionless for long periods before plunging to the water to snatch prey. Call is a harsh “tshik,” often given in flight. Separated from Madagascar Pygmy-Kingfisher by blue upperparts and mostly dark bill. Prefers wetlands, whereas Pygmy-Kingfisher is found in forest.
Ash-throated Casiornis
Casiornis fuscus
Large rufous flycatcher with a slight crest, a cinnamon back, dusky flight feathers, and buff underparts. Inhabits wooded caatinga (dry scrubby forest) in the breeding season, with migrants also found in Cerrado and Amazonian savannas and light woodland in the non-breeding season. The similar Rufous Casiornis has a rufous back, the same color as the wings.
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