The yellow-browed bulbul (Acritillas indica), or golden-browed bulbul, is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is found in the forests of southern India and Sri Lanka. The yellow-browed bulbul is mainly yellow on the underside and olive above with a distinct yellow brow. They are easily located by their loud calls but tend to skulk within foliage below the forest canopy. While its taxonomic classification has changed over time, it is currently the sole species within the monotypic genus Acritillas which is closely related to Hemixos.
Taxonomy and systematics
thumb|upright|left|A. i. icterica at [[Dandeli, India]]
The yellow-browed bulbul was originally described in the genus Trichophorus (a synonym for Criniger) in 1839 by T. C. Jerdon on the basis of specimens from the Wynaad region and given the original binomial (or protonym) of Trichophorus indicus. Formerly, the yellow-browed bulbul was classified in the genus Iole as two separate species but a study determined that this species is exceptional and it is now placed in the monotypic genus Acritillas. Some authorities have included the yellow-browed bulbul in the genus Hypsipetes but a 2018 molecular phylogenetic study indicated the nearest living relative as Hemixos flavala.
Subspecies
Three subspecies are currently recognized:
- A. i. icterica - <small>(Strickland, 1844)</small>: Originally described as a separate species in the genus Criniger from a specimen from Satara, Maharashtra. The upperparts are more greyish green and the yellow a bit duller and it is found in the northern Western Ghats population but intergrades with A. i. indica in the Londa area.
thumb|left|A. i. guglielmi near Sinharaja showing greenish tinge on underside The calls include a whistle-like call and sharp pick-wick notes.
Distribution and habitat
The yellow-browed bulbul has been considered as the wet-zone counterpart of the dry-zone white-browed bulbul. Nallamalas and parts of Tirupathi and Mamandur regions in Andhra Pradesh.
Behaviour and ecology
Yellow-browed bulbuls are found in pairs or small groups and call loudly. They feed mainly on berries and insects. The breeding season is during the dry spell before the monsoons, mainly January to May. The nest is a cup built in a low fork covered with moss and cobwebs on the outside, giving the appearance of a large white-eye nest, About a week is taken for building the nest and the eggs are incubated for about 13 days. The eggs are pale pink or white with reddish brown speckling. The eggs hatch synchronously and the nestlings fledge after about 13 days.