The black bulbul, also known as the Himalayan black bulbul or Asian black bulbul, is a member of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is found primarily in the Himalayas, its range stretching from Pakistan eastward to Southeast Asia. It is the type species of the genus Hypsipetes, established by Nicholas Aylward Vigors in the early 1830s. There are a number of subspecies, mostly varying in the shade of the body plumage which ranges from grey to black, and some also occur in white-headed morphs, as also suggested by its specific epithet leucocephalus, literally "white head". The legs and bill are always rich orange-red.
Region
Himalayas and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the western Himalayas across northern and northeastern India through Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, southern China (including Yunnan and Hainan), to northern parts of mainland Southeast Asia and Taiwan. It favors evergreen and mixed broadleaf forests, forest edges, and secondary growth. It also frequents orchards, tea estates, gardens near forest, and wooded ravines. In montane areas it may move downslope in winter but remains widespread wherever fruiting trees are abundant.
Altitude Range
0–3000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the Himalayan or Asian black bulbul, this species is the type species of the genus Hypsipetes. Despite its name, plumage varies from sooty-black to slate-grey, and some populations show striking white-headed morphs. Its bright orange-red bill and legs are distinctive, and it often forms noisy flocks in the canopy.
The tail of H. l. psaroides has a gentle curve in the outer tail feathers and a shallow fork
the nominate subspecies
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Often travels in chattering flocks, especially when trees are fruiting. Breeding pairs are monogamous and build neat, shallow cup nests in trees or tall shrubs. Both sexes participate in incubation and feeding of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Voice is loud and ringing, with whistling, metallic notes and chattering phrases. Calls carry far through the canopy and often occur in excited bursts when flocking.
