Learn what every symbol on the card means.Full credits and sources at beakbrain.com/symbols










ID tip
The common bulbul is 18–20 cm (7.1–7.9 in) in length, with a long tail. The sexes are similar in plumage but the male is on average larger. It has a dark brown head and brown upperparts. The underparts are dull grey. The bill is fairly short and thin, with a slightly downwards curving upper mandible. The bill, legs, and feet are black and the eye is dark brown with a dark eye-ring, which is not readily visible. Subspecies P. b. dodsoni, P. b. spurius, P. b. tricolor and P. b. layardi have yellow undertail coverts. The call is a loud doctor-quick doctor-quick be-quick be-quick.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Common Bulbul
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is November, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Common Bulbul
The map shades 48 countries with regular records. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
About the Common Bulbul
The common bulbul is a member of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is widespread throughout most of Africa except for the very arid areas, and has recently begun breeding in southernmost Spain. Ten subspecies are recognised based on the geographical variation in plumage. Some of these were formerly considered as separate species: Dodson's bulbul, the Somali bulbul and the dark-capped bulbul.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
White-browed BulbulPycnonotus luteolusThe white-browed bulbul is about 20 cm (7.9 in) long, with a moderately long (8 centimetres or 3 inches) tail.
Yellow-vented BulbulPycnonotus goiavierThe yellow-vented bulbul, or eastern yellow-vented bulbul, is a member of the bulbul family of passerine birds.
White-spectacled BulbulPycnonotus xanthopygosThe white-spectacled bulbul is a member of the bulbul family.
Side by side: Common Bulbul vs Red-vented Bulbul · Common Bulbul vs Red-whiskered Bulbul · Common Bulbul vs Light-vented Bulbul · Common Bulbul vs White-browed Bulbul
Learn the Common Bulbul in the BeakBrain App
Photo and call practice. Coming soon to iPhone and Android.
Play today's Daily BirdEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.