Red-vented bulbul

The red-vented bulbul is a member of the bulbul family of passerines. It is a resident breeder across the Indian subcontinent, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka extending east to Burma and parts of Bhutan and Nepal. It has been introduced in many other parts of the world and has established itself in Argentina, Tonga and Fiji, as well as parts of Samoa, USA and Cook Islands. It is included in the list of the world's 100 worst invasive alien species. In New Zealand they were the target of a successful extermination campaign in 1955, however they are still sporadically reported.

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Distribution

Region

South Asia and Pacific Islands

Typical Environment

Native across much of the Indian subcontinent, including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and parts of Myanmar, it is abundant in towns, villages, scrub, and agricultural lands. It frequents forest edges, open woodlands, orchards, and urban parks rather than dense interior forests. The species adapts readily to human-modified habitats and thrives in disturbed areas. Introduced populations are established in parts of the Pacific (Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Cook Islands), the Middle East, and localized areas in the Americas.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2000 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size19–21 cm

Wing Span25–30 cm

Male Weight0.032 kg

Female Weight0.03 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

Easily recognized by its bright red vent and jaunty black crest, the red-vented bulbul thrives in gardens, farms, and cities. It has been widely introduced outside its native range and is listed among the world's 100 worst invasive alien species for its impacts on crops and native fauna. It disperses seeds effectively and can outcompete local birds at food sources. Control and monitoring programs exist in several regions where it has established.

Gallery

Eggs inside the nest

Behaviour

Temperament

bold and adaptable

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with brief glides

Social Behavior

Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, it is territorial during breeding but gathers at communal roosts outside the breeding season. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in shrubs or small trees; both parents feed the young. Multiple broods can occur in warm climates.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A lively mix of chatters, whistles, and bubbling notes delivered frequently from exposed perches. Calls include sharp scolds and repetitive phrases, often forming a conspicuous dawn chorus.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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