Bulbuls
INDO-MALAYAN Tropical & Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forest


Family Pycnonotidae: Bulbuls

If there is one group of birds that typifies the Asian rainforest, it is the bulbuls. Although in Asia they common in open areas, in any one area of rainforest, they are often the most commonly seen birds. Many species have yellow in their colours.

(Nature Lodge, Senmonorom, Cambodia)

Pycnonotus aurigaster, 'Sooty-headed Bulbul'.  Found in rainforest in south-east Asia, from southern China to west New Guinea.

(Khao Yai National Park, Thailand)

Pycnonotus flaviventris, 'Black-crested Bulbul'.  Distinctive tall black crest. Bright surprised yellow eye with large black pupil. Sometimes a red throat patch is seen. Common throughout south-east Asia, usually seen more on the edge of the forest. Found from India across south-east Asian mainland to Singapore.

(Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand)

Pycnonotus finlaysoni, 'Streak/Stripe-throated Bulbul'. Found on mainland south-east Asia.

(Samarn Bird Camp, Thailand)

Pycnonotus conradi, 'Streak-eared Bulbul'. Plain bird, with pale blue eyes, pinkish bill, and subtle streaks below eye. There is usually a pale belly and faint yellow vent. Found in rainforest and associated human habitats, in much of the central south-east Asian mainland.

(Lampelri Gardens, Bhutan)

Pycnonotus striatus, 'Striated Bulbul'. Found in mountain rainforest from Himalayas and throughout mainland south-east Asia.

(Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand)

Pycnonotus flavescens, 'Flavescent Bulbul'. Found in the montane rainforest of mainland south-east Asia and northern Borneo.  

(Horton Plains, Sri Lanka)

Pycnonotus penicillatus, 'Yellow-eared Bulbul'. Endemic to Sri Lanka.

(Jigme Dorji National Park, Bhutan)

Alophoixus flaveolus'White-throated Bulbul'.

(Kelani, Sri Lanka)

Acritillas indica, 'Yellow-browed Bulbul'. Found in southern India and Sri Lanka.

Black Bulbul (image by Damon Ramsey)(Nature Lodge, Senmonorom, Cambodia)

Hypsipetes leucocephalus, 'Asian/Himalayan Black Bulbul'. As suggested by common name, they are mostly all black. But as suggested by scientific name, some races have individuals with striking white on head.have Found in rainforest on south-east Asian mainland, from Himalayas to southern Vietnam.

(Kithugala, Sri Lanka)

Hypsipetes ganeesa, 'Square-tailed Black Bulbul'. Species split off from the Black Bulbul. Endemic to Sri Lanka.

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