African red-eyed bulbul

The African red-eyed bulbul or black-fronted bulbul (Pycnonotus nigricans) is a species of songbird in the family Pycnonotidae. It is found in south-western Africa. Its natural habitats are dry savanna, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, and riverine scrub.[2][3][4] It feeds on fruit (including Ficus), flowers, nectar, and insects.[3][4]

African red-eyed bulbul
p. n. nigricans
Damaraland, Namibia
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Pycnonotidae
Genus: Pycnonotus
Species:
P. nigricans
Binomial name
Pycnonotus nigricans
(Vieillot, 1818)
     resident, nomadic and migratory range
Synonyms
  • Turdus nigricans

Description

The African red-eyed bulbul ranges from 19-21 centimeters (7-8 inches) in length and weighs 30-48 grams (1-1.7 ounces). Its call is a series of loud fluty notes, usually given only by the male.[3][4]

Taxonomy and systematics

The African red-eyed bulbul was originally described in the genus Turdus. The African red-eyed bulbul is considered to belong to a superspecies along with the Himalayan bulbul, white-eared bulbul, white-spectacled bulbul, Cape bulbul, and the common bulbul.[5] The alternate name of 'red-eyed bulbul' is also used by the Asian red-eyed bulbul.

Subspecies

Two subspecies are recognized:[6]

  • P. n. nigricans - (Vieillot, 1818): Found in south-western Angola, Namibia and Botswana and western South Africa
  • P. n. superior - Clancey, 1959: Found in central South Africa
  • P. n. nigricans; communal bathing at Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, with one or two keeping watch
  • Nominate race at Etosha N. P., showing relatively pale breast plumage
  • The easterly P. n. subsp. superior, with darker breast and mantle plumage
  • Group of African red-eyed bulbuls in Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Botswana
  • African red-eyed bulbul in Okaukuejo, Etosha National Park, Namibia

References
  1. BirdLife International (2016). "Pycnonotus nigricans". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22712671A94342504. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22712671A94342504.en.
  2. "Pycnonotus nigricans (African Red-eyed Bulbul, Black-fronted Bulbul, Red-eyed Bulbul)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
  3. "Black-fronted Bulbul (Pycnonotus nigricans)". www.hbw.com. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
  4. Sinclair, Ian; Ryan, Peter (2009). Complete photographic field guide birds of Southern Africa. Struik Nature.
  5. "Himalayan Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucogenys)". www.hbw.com. Retrieved 23 March 2017.
  6. "Bulbuls « IOC World Bird List". www.worldbirdnames.org. Retrieved 26 March 2017.


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