Styan's Bulbul
Pycnonotus taivanus
The Styan's Bulbul (Pycnonotus taivanus) is a uncommon bulbul found only in Taiwan, weighing about 26 g. Styan's bulbul is a species of bulbul that is endemic to eastern and southern Taiwan.
About the Styan's Bulbul
Styan's bulbul is a species of bulbul that is endemic to eastern and southern Taiwan. Though locally common in some areas, it has been listed as a species vulnerable to extinction. Its decline has been caused by habitat destruction and hybridisation with the closely related Chinese or light-vented bulbul. The two species' ranges overlap in several areas, partly because birds of the latter species have been released for Buddhist ceremonies. The species has already become extinct in Yilan County (Taiwan).
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Styan's bulbul has a very similar appearance to the light-vented bulbul, but they differ in the patterns on the head. Styan's bulbul has a completely black crown with white feathers around its eye, except for a black moustachial stripe below the beak. Hybrids are intermediate between the two species, with the moustachial stripe and white feathers around the eye, but the white feathers extend behind the crown.
Where it lives
When to see it
The Styan's Bulbul can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Styan's Bulbul?
- Styan's bulbul has a very similar appearance to the light-vented bulbul, but they differ in the patterns on the head. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Styan's Bulbul?
- The Styan's Bulbul is a small sized bird weighing about 26 g.
- Where can you see a Styan's Bulbul?
- The Styan's Bulbul is endemic to Taiwan, which is the only country where it occurs.
- What birds look similar to a Styan's Bulbul?
- The Styan's Bulbul is most easily confused with the Sooty-headed Bulbul, the Ayeyarwady Bulbul and the Himalayan Bulbul.
- Is the Styan's Bulbul endangered?
- The Styan's Bulbul is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Styan's Bulbul for real
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