Black-crested Bulbul
Rubigula flaviventris
黑冠黄鹎
Introduction
A passerine bird in the bulbul family (Pycnonotidae). Found from the Indian subcontinent to southeast Asia, occupying forest and dense scrub habitats. Characterized by its black head with a distinct crest and yellow iris. Formerly considered conspecific with the black-capped, ruby-throated, flame-throated and Bornean bulbuls until 2008.
Description
A small bulbul measuring 18.5–19.5 cm in length. The head is black with a prominent crest and striking yellow iris. The upperparts are greenish-yellow, underparts are yellow, and the tail is greenish-black. The bill and feet are black. Sexes are similar in plumage, while juveniles appear slightly duller. The subspecies R. f. johnsoni is distinguished by its red throat.
Distribution & Habitat
Range extends from the Indian subcontinent through southeast Asia, including Nepal, India, southern China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and the northern Malay Peninsula. Inhabits forest and dense scrub habitats throughout its range.
Behavior & Ecology
Constructs its nest in bushes. Clutch size typically consists of 2–4 eggs. Diet consists of fruit and insects. The specific vocalizations and detailed social behavior are not described in available sources.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pycnonotidae
- Genus
- Rubigula
- eBird Code
- blcbul2
Vocalizations
Subspecies (8)
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Rubigula flaviventris aurata
northern plateau of northeastern Thailand and adjacent western Laos
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Rubigula flaviventris caecilii
northern Malay Peninsula
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Rubigula flaviventris elbeli
islets off coast of southeastern Thailand
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Rubigula flaviventris flaviventris
Himalayas (Punjab) to northeastern India, northern Myanmar, and southwestern China
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Rubigula flaviventris johnsoni
southern plateau of Thailand to southern Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam
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Rubigula flaviventris negata
southern Myanmar and adjacent southwestern Thailand
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Rubigula flaviventris vantynei
southern Myanmar to northern Thailand, northern Laos, Tonkin, and northern Annam
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Rubigula flaviventris xanthops
southeastern Myanmar to northern Thailand
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.