The square-tailed bulbul is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is found in south-western India and Sri Lanka. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It was previously classified as a subspecies of the black bulbul.
Region
South Asia (Western Ghats and Sri Lanka)
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Western Ghats of southwestern India and across the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It inhabits subtropical and tropical moist montane and hill forests, shola-grassland mosaics, forest edges, and well-wooded ravines. The species often forages in the upper canopy and along fruiting forest edges, occasionally entering plantations adjacent to native forest. It is largely a resident, tracking local fruit availability within its elevational range.
Altitude Range
500–2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The square-tailed bulbul is a forest songbird of the Western Ghats of India and Sri Lanka, formerly treated as a subspecies of the black bulbul. It favors moist montane forests where it moves in small, noisy parties through the canopy. By feeding heavily on fruits, it acts as an important seed disperser for many native trees.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small, chatty groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks in the canopy. During the breeding season, pairs defend small territories and build a shallow cup nest in dense foliage. Clutches typically contain two eggs, and both parents participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, chattering series of whistles and scratchy notes, often delivered from high perches. Calls carry well through forest, with abrupt scolding phrases interspersed with clearer, flute-like whistles.
Plumage
Uniform sooty-black to dark slate plumage with a slight, often tousled crest; feathers appear smooth and glossy in good light.
Diet
Primarily consumes a variety of fruits and berries, including figs and native forest fruits. Supplements diet with insects and other small invertebrates, especially when feeding young. Occasionally takes nectar and soft plant matter. Its fruit-eating habits make it an effective seed disperser.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the mid to upper canopy, especially at fruiting trees along forest edges, gaps, and ridgelines. Will also feed in adjacent shade-coffee and cardamom plantations if fruit is abundant.
