Jul 28

Bird of the day

Sooty-headed bulbul

Pycnonotus aurigaster

The sooty-headed bulbul (Pycnonotus aurigaster) is a species of songbird in the Bulbul family, Pycnonotidae.

It is found in south-eastern Asia.

Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.

A medium-sized songbird measuring between 18 and 21 centimetres in length with a short crest, the sooty-headed bulbul can be distinguished from the similar red-vented bulbul by its tan front, less extensive area of black on its head and gold-colored vent in certain subspecies. Its call is a series of whistled notes similar in tone to that of the red-whiskered bulbul, but delivered in a more hurried manner.

Aliases

Pycnonotus aurigaster