Sooty-headed Bulbul

About the Sooty-headed Bulbul

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.

The sooty-headed bulbul was originally described in the genus Turdus. Alternate names for the sooty-headed bulbul include the golden-vented bulbul and several names used for other species (black-capped, red-vented, white-eared and yellow-vented bulbul).

Nine subspecies are recognized: P. a. chrysorrhoides - (Lafresnaye, 1845): Originally described as a separate species. Found in south-eastern China P. a. resurrectus - Deignan, 1952: Found in southern China and north-eastern Vietnam

P. a. dolichurus - Deignan... Wikipedia →