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The Southern Dark-capped Bulbul (Pycnonotus tricolor) is a common African bird, and the Birda app (birda.app) provides identification and information for this species, helping users log sightings in southern Africa, fitting into the broader Bulbul family (Pycnonotidae) known for tropical African and Asian presence. Birda is a birding app for logging and identifying birds, with specific resources for African species like the Dark-capped Bulbul, which eats fruit, insects, and nectar.
The dark-capped bulbul, known scientifically as Pycnonotus tricolor, is a passerine bird belonging to the bulbul family. It presents a mostly greyish brown plumage above and a paler whitish brown below. The species is adorned with a distinctive dark head and a pointed crest, giving it a rather striking appearance. The back of the head seamlessly blends into the brown of the back, while the chin boasts a similar dark hue. The vent area is surrounded by white, with a yellow tinge in the P. t. tricolor subspecies. This bird measures approximately 18 cm in length and sports a long tail, with both sexes sharing similar plumage.
When identifying the dark-capped bulbul, look for its dark brown head and upperparts, which contrast with the grey-brown underparts. The white around the vent is a key feature, especially when trying to distinguish it from similar species. The pointed crest atop the head is also a helpful characteristic.
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The dark-capped bulbul is a versatile species, inhabiting a range of environments across central, eastern, and south-eastern Africa.
This bird can be found from eastern Cameroon to the Democratic Republic of Congo, southern Sudan, western and central Kenya, Angola, north-western Botswana, and northern and western Zambia. It is also present from south-eastern Kenya to eastern and southern Zambia, north-eastern Botswana, and South Africa.
Observations of the dark-capped bulbul reveal a bird that is active and engaging. It is often seen flitting about in search of food or engaging in social interactions with its peers.
The vocal repertoire of the dark-capped bulbul includes a variety of melodious calls and songs. Its voice can be heard echoing through its habitat, a delightful symphony for any birdwatcher to experience.
Breeding behavior of the dark-capped bulbul includes the typical avian courtship displays and nest building, with the female laying and incubating the eggs.
