The black-crested bulbul (Rubigula flaviventris) is a member of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is found from the Indian subcontinent to southeast Asia.
Taxonomy and systematics
The black-crested bulbul was originally described in the genus Vanga and later moved to the genus Pycnonotus. Pycnonotus was found to be polyphyletic in recent molecular phylogenetic studies and five bulbuls, including the black-crested bulbul, were moved to Rubigula.
Until 2008, the black-crested bulbul was considered as conspecific with the black-capped, ruby-throated, flame-throated and Bornean bulbuls, but these are all now treated as distinct. Both the male and female are similar in plumage; young birds are slightly duller.
Distribution and habitat
This is a bird of forest and dense scrub.
Behaviour and ecology
It builds its nest in a bush; two to four eggs are a typical clutch. The black-crested bulbul feeds on fruit and insects.
References
- Birds of India by Grimmett, Inskipp and Inskipp,
- Rasmussen, P.C., and J.C. Anderton (2005). Birds of South Asia. The Ripley Guide. Volume 2: Attributes and Status. Smithsonian Institution and Lynx Edicions, Washington D.C. and Barcelona.