Dark-capped Bulbul

Pycnonotus barbatus

Other Names

  Yellow-vented Bulbul, Common Bulbul, Black-eyed Bulbul, White-eared Bulbul, Garden Bulbul   Bulbul des jardins, Bulbul commun   Graubülbül   Bulbul Naranjero   Trädgårdsbulbyl   Grauwe buulbuul   Bulbul golanera

World: Found just about everywhere in Africa S of 20°N except in the dry SW and on the Cape.

Kenya: Occurs up to 3000m in W and Central Kenya.

This is a distinctive, adaptable and very bold bird which has readily taken to living alongside humans. It is omnivorous which makes it superbly adapted to life around lodge dining rooms! They are generally found in pairs in wooded and shrubby habitats, adapting well to artificial environments such as gardens and parks. It is similar in look and habit to Dodson's Bulbul but is lacks the white ear-coverts and distinctive breast mottling characteristic of this other species. Some authorities treat both birds as being races of Pycnonotus barbatus.