3-11-2016 BAIDICHENG, CHINA - BROWN BREASTED BULBUL (Pycnonotus xanthorrhous)

The brown-breasted bulbul (Pycnonotus xanthorrhous ) is a songbird in the family Pycnonotidae. The species was first described by John Anderson in 1869.

A large dull bulbul of scrubby forest edges, farmland, and parks. Brown overall, with a black cap and white throat; a light brown wash on the chest contrasts with the otherwise pale breast and belly, giving it a “vested” appearance. Dull orange undertail feathers are essentially the only bright spot on this species. Can resemble juvenile Sooty-headed Bulbul, but lacks the white cheek and rump of that species. Song consists of short but rich warbled phrases, and is a common background sound in cities and towns. Calls include liquid chirrups and harsher churring calls.

It is found in south-eastern Asia from central and southern China to Myanmar and northern Thailand.

The brown-breasted bulbul (Pycnonotus xanthorrhous) is a songbird in the family Pycnonotidae. The species was first described by John Anderson in 1869.

Alternate names for the brown-breasted bulbul include Anderson's bulbul and yellow-vented bulbul (not to be confused with the species of the same name, Pycnonotus goiavier).

Two subspecies are recognized:

P. x. xanthorrhous - Anderson, 1869: Found from south-western China and northern Myanmar to northern Indochina

P. x. andersoni - (R. Swinhoe, 1870): Originally described as a separate species in the genus Ixos. Found in central and southern China

It eats fruit, including Camellia japonica.