Black-Crested Bulbul | R. Flaviventris | Sri Lanka

Black-crested Bulbul Facts

Known scientifically as the black-crested bulbul (Rubigula flaviventris), it is a passerine bird that belongs to the bulbul family of passerine birds. Throughout the Indian subcontinent and into Southeast Asia, it can be found in abundance.

Taxonomy and systematics

The black-crested bulbul was originally described in the genus Vanga and later moved to the genus Pycnonotus. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies have revealed that Pycnonotus is polyphyletic, and five bulbul species, including the black-crested bulbul, have been transferred to the genus Rubigula.

Until 2008, the black-crested bulbul was considered to be conspecific with the black-capped, ruby-throated, flame-throated, and Bornean bulbuls, which were all considered to be conspecific with each other.

Distribution and habitat

This is a bird that prefers dense forest and scrub.

Behaviour and ecology

It constructs its nest in a bush, and a typical clutch of eggs contains two to four eggs. The black-crested bulbul is a fruit-eating bird that also eats insects.