Passeriformes / Pycnonotidae / Microtarsus
Black-headed Bulbul
Microtarsus melanocephalos · 黑头鹎
Introduction
A species of passerine bird in the bulbul family Pycnonotidae. It inhabits forests across south-eastern Asia, with its range extending from north-eastern India and Bangladesh through Southeast Asia to the Greater Sunda Islands and western Philippines. Four subspecies are recognized, including island-endemic populations on Bawean and Maratua islands. The species is characterized by its distinctive glossy bluish-black head contrasting with olive-yellow plumage, though a rare grey morph also occurs. It typically occurs in small flocks and feeds primarily on small fruit and berries while also consuming insects.
Description
A small bulbul measuring 16–18 cm in overall length and weighing 20–30 g. The plumage is primarily olive-yellow, contrasting with a glossy bluish-black head. A rare grey morph exists where most of the olive-yellow coloration is replaced by grey. The species is characterized by blue eyes, though this feature is not reliable for identifying juveniles. The tail has a broad yellow tip at the end.
Identification
Similar in appearance to the black-crested bulbul but can be distinguished by several features: blue eyes (though unreliable in juveniles), a broad yellow tip to the tail, and the complete absence of a crest. Some subspecies of black-crested bulbul may appear essentially crestless, but they differ by having red or yellow throats rather than the olive-yellow underparts of this species.
Distribution & Habitat
Range extends from north-eastern India and Bangladesh through Myanmar, Thailand, and Southeast Asia to the Greater Sunda Islands and western Philippines. The subspecies M. m. hyperemnus occurs on western Sumatran islands, M. m. baweanus is endemic to Bawean Island north of Java, and M. m. hodiernus is restricted to Maratua Island off eastern Borneo. Inhabits forest habitats.
Behavior & Ecology
Feeds mainly on small fruit and berries, but also consumes insects. Commonly occurs in small flocks of 6-8 individuals.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
