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.
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.
Where the Common Bulbul lives
When to see the Common Bulbul
Peak activity in November · a resident species across most of its range
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
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