Passeriformes / Pycnonotidae / Rubigula
Black-crested Bulbul
Rubigula flaviventris · 黑冠黄鹎
Introduction
Member of the bulbul family of passerine birds, found from the Indian subcontinent to southeast Asia. Originally described in the genus Vanga and later moved to Pycnonotus before being placed in Rubigula following molecular phylogenetic studies. Until 2008, it was considered conspecific with black-capped, ruby-throated, flame-throated, and Bornean bulbuls, which are now treated as distinct species.
Description
Length is 18.5–19.5 cm. The head is black with a distinct crest and a yellow iris. The body is greenish yellow above and yellow below, with a greenish-black tail. The bill and feet are black. In the subspecies R. f. johnsoni, the throat is red. Males and females have similar plumage; young birds are slightly duller.
Distribution & Habitat
Found from the Indian subcontinent to southeast Asia, inhabiting forests and dense scrub. Eight subspecies are recognized: R. f. flaviventris (Nepal, northern and eastern India, southern China, central Myanmar); R. f. vantynei (eastern and southern Myanmar, southern China, northern Indochina); R. f. xanthops (south-eastern Myanmar, western Thailand); R. f. auratus (north-eastern Thailand, western Laos); R. f. johnsoni (central and eastern Thailand, southern Indochina); R. f. elbeli (islands off eastern coast of Thailand); R. f. negata (southern Myanmar, south-western Thailand); and R. f. caecilii (northern Malay Peninsula).
Behavior & Ecology
Builds nests in bushes. Typical clutch size is two to four eggs. Feeds on fruit and insects.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pycnonotidae
- Genus
- Rubigula
Taxonomy Changes
Pycnonotus flaviventris → Rubigula flaviventris
Genus transfer — GBIF Backbone Taxonomy uses the former name; AviList 2025 uses the current name.
Vocalizations
Subspecies (8)
-
Rubigula flaviventris aurata
northern plateau of northeastern Thailand and adjacent western Laos
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.
