The Red-vented Bulbul, Pycnonotus cafer, is a passerine bird from the bulbul family. It is characterized by a short crest that gives its head a distinctive squarish profile. The plumage is primarily dark brown with a scaly appearance, and the head is often darker or black. A notable feature is the white rump contrasting sharply with the red vent, from which it derives its name. The bird measures approximately 20 cm in length and sports a long black tail with a white tip.
Adult Red-vented Bulbuls have a black head, a prominent crest, and a dark brown body with a scaly pattern. The rump is white, and the vent is a vivid red. The Himalayan subspecies exhibit a more pronounced crest and streaking on the underside. The sexes are similar in plumage, but juveniles are generally duller.
This species is typically found in dry scrub, open forest, plains, and cultivated lands. It is not commonly seen in mature forests within its native range.
The Red-vented Bulbul is a resident breeder across the Indian subcontinent, including Sri Lanka, extending east to Burma, and parts of Bhutan and Nepal. It has established populations in New Zealand, Argentina, Tonga, Fiji, parts of Samoa, Australia, the USA, and the Cook Islands due to introductions.
