Birds · Passeriformes · Pycnonotidae

Common Bulbul

Pycnonotus barbatus

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

The common bulbul, known in Spanish as bulbul común or bulbul naranjero, is one of the most abundant and familiar birds in Africa: it is present across almost the whole continent south of the Sahara and is a regular inhabitant of gardens and cities. It is brown with a darker head and an orange area under the tail. Its cheerful, flowing song is one of the first sounds of dawn across much of Africa.

Weight

25 g – 45 g

Size

18 cm – 21 cm

Lifespan

12 years

Diet

Omnivore

Combines animal and plant food depending on availability.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Social structure

In pairs

Usually lives in pairs, sometimes for life.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

SavannaTemperate forestGrasslandOmnivore Diurnal In pairs Bird Savanna Temperate forest Grassland

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Fun facts

It is probably the most familiar bird in Africa: it is in almost every garden on the continent south of the Sahara, and its morning song is one of the most recognisable sounds of everyday African life.
Its taxonomy is under review: what is called the common bulbul groups together populations that several authors already separate into three or four different species according to the colour of the area under the tail.
It is a significant seed disperser in urban and farmed areas, and helps spread both native plants and invasive exotics.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (bird)
Habitat & environment: Scrub, wooded savannah, gardens, parks and farmland of sub-Saharan Africa and the Sahel
Sexual maturity: 12 months
Gestation / incubation: 13 days of incubation
Litter / clutch size: 3 eggs

Sources consulted: https://www.iucnredlist.org/ | https://animaldiversity.org/ | https://es.wikipedia.org/