The black-capped bulbul, or black-headed yellow bulbul, is a member of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is endemic to Sri Lanka.
Region
Sri Lanka (Wet Zone and foothills)
Typical Environment
Found in lowland and foothill evergreen rainforests, secondary growth, and forest edges within Sri Lanka’s southwestern wet zone. It readily uses adjacent gardens and spice plantations near forest. Most activity occurs in the mid- to upper canopy, but it descends to lower levels when feeding. The species tolerates moderately disturbed habitats provided fruiting trees and dense cover remain. It is generally absent from the dry zone.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Endemic to Sri Lanka’s wet zone, the black-capped bulbul is often called the black-headed yellow bulbul. Its striking pale iris against a glossy black cap makes it easy to recognize in dim forest light. It plays an important role in seed dispersal by consuming native fruits. Pairs or small groups are frequently seen moving through the mid- to upper canopy.
A Black capped Bulbul in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and occasionally joins mixed-species flocks. Builds a neat cup nest in shrubs or small trees, typically a few meters above ground. Both parents participate in incubation and feeding of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, ringing whistles and liquid, bubbly notes delivered from mid-canopy perches. Calls often include repeated clear phrases interspersed with chattering contact calls.
Plumage
Bright yellow body with olive-tinged upperparts and a glossy black head forming a cap with a slight crest. Underparts are uniformly yellow without a contrasting vent patch. Feathers are sleek with minimal streaking, giving a clean two-tone look. The pale iris is conspicuous.
Diet
Consumes a variety of small fruits and berries, especially figs and other native rainforest fruits. Supplements its diet with insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates gleaned from foliage. Occasionally hawks for flying insects in short sallies. By swallowing fruits whole and passing seeds, it aids forest regeneration.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid- to upper canopy of primary and secondary forest, but also at forest edges and in adjacent gardens with fruiting trees. Often forages along sunlit gaps and edges where fruiting shrubs are abundant.
