Dodson's Bulbul

Pycnonotus dodsoni

Other Names

  Common Bulbul   Bulbul des jardins, Bulbul commun   Graubülbül   Bulbul Naranjero   Trädgårdsbulbyl   Grauwe buulbuul   Bulbul golanera

World: Endemic to NE Africa where it occurs in Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya.

Kenya: Occurs in the N and E of the country up to a height of 3000m.

This is a locally common species of dry acacia scrub, dry woodland and along dry river courses. Their diet consists of fruit, insects and vegetable matter. They are fearless when it comes to man and have adapted readily to the range of goodies on offer in open dining areas. They generally occur in pairs or small family groups. Dodson's Bulbul is similar in look and habit to the Dark-capped Bulbul but it has white neck patches (which give it its alternate name of White-eared Bulbul) and a distinctively scaled breast. Some authorities classify both birds as being races of the species Pycnonotus barbatus.