Sooty-headed Bulbul
Pycnonotus aurigaster
The Sooty-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus aurigaster) is a uncommon bulbul found in 14 countries, weighing about 44 g. The sooty-headed bulbul is a species of songbird in the Bulbul family, Pycnonotidae.
About the Sooty-headed Bulbul
The sooty-headed bulbul is a species of songbird in the Bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is found in south-eastern Asia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
A medium-sized songbird measuring between 18 and 21 centimetres in length with a short crest, the sooty-headed bulbul can be distinguished from the similar red-vented bulbul by its tan front, less extensive area of black on its head and gold-colored vent in certain subspecies. Its call is a series of whistled notes similar in tone to that of the red-whiskered bulbul, but delivered in a more hurried manner.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Spain.
When to see it
The Sooty-headed Bulbul can be seen all year round, with peak activity in February. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Sooty-headed Bulbul?
- A medium-sized songbird measuring between 18 and 21 centimetres in length with a short crest, the sooty-headed bulbul can be distinguished from the similar red-vented bulbul by its tan front, less extensive area of black on its head and gold-colored vent in certain subspecies. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Sooty-headed Bulbul?
- The Sooty-headed Bulbul is a small sized bird weighing about 44 g.
- Where can you see a Sooty-headed Bulbul?
- The Sooty-headed Bulbul occurs in 14 countries, including Thailand, China, Cambodia, Vietnam and Hong Kong SAR China.
- What birds look similar to a Sooty-headed Bulbul?
- The Sooty-headed Bulbul is most easily confused with the Styan's Bulbul, the Stripe-throated Bulbul and the Ayeyarwady Bulbul.
- Is the Sooty-headed Bulbul endangered?
- The Sooty-headed Bulbul is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Sooty-headed Bulbul for real
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