4-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN RED EYED BULBUL (Pycnonotus nigricans)

The Red-eyed Bulbul, specifically the African Red-eyed Bulbul (Pycnonotus nigricans), is a common, crested songbird in arid African woodlands with distinctive orange-red eye rings, grey-brown upper parts, white underparts, and a bright yellow vent, feeding on fruits, nectar, and insects, known for its musical, bubbly song, often found in pairs, and generally of 'Least Concern' status. 

Its natural habitats are dry savanna, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, and riverine scrub. It feeds on fruit (including Ficus), flowers, nectar, and insects.

Appearance & Identification

Eye Ring: A bright, fleshy orange-red ring around dark eyes is its most defining feature.

Plumage: Greyish-brown above, white below, with a dark head and crest.

Vent: A striking yellow patch under its tail.

Size: About 20 cm long, with males slightly larger. 

Habitat & Behavior

Range: Found in dry savannas, shrublands, and riverine thickets in southwestern Africa.

Social: Often seen in monogamous pairs, but also small flocks.

Vocalization: Sings a musical, bubbly song, slower than the Common Bulbul. 

Diet & Nesting

Diet: Primarily fruits, but also eats flowers, nectar, and insects (arthropods).

Nesting: Female builds a flimsy cup nest from plant fibers, bound with spiderwebs, hidden in a bush fork.

Breeding: Lays 2-3 speckled eggs, incubated by the female for 12-13 days; both parents feed hatchlings. 

Conservation

Status: Classified as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN, with a growing population.

Threats: Generally adaptable, but faces habitat loss in some areas. 

2-6-2019 LINYANTI, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN RED EYED BULBUL (Pycnonotus nigricans)

The African red-eyed bulbul or black-fronted bulbul is a species of songbird in the family Pycnonotidae. It is found in south-western Africa. Its natural habitats are dry savanna, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, and riverine scrub. It feeds on fruit, flowers, nectar, and insects. The African Red-eyed Bulbul is an easily recognisable species. Its most distinguishing feature is the red eye wattle, which is diagnostic. The head is black and contrasts with the grey neck and breast. The rest of the upperparts are dusky grey-brown. The underparts are paler greyish-white and the vent is bright-yellow.

The African Red-eyed Bulbul is a common to abundant resident and is near-endemic to Southern Africa. Its range extends beyond the sub-region into south-western Angola and extreme southern Zambia. It is widespread in the central and western regions of Southern Africa, occurring virtually throughout Namibia and Botswana. In Zimbabwe it is found only in the far west of the country. It occurs in the central and western parts of South Africa where it is widespread.

4-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN RED EYED BULBUL (Pycnonotus nigricans)