African red-eyed bulbul
African red-eyed bulbul | |
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p. n. nigricans Damaraland, Namibia | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Aves |
Order: | Passeriformes |
Infraorder: | Passerides |
Family: | Pycnonotidae |
Genus: | Pycnonotus |
Species: | P. nigricans
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Binomial name | |
Pycnonotus nigricans (Vieillot, 1818)
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resident, nomadic and migratory range | |
Synonyms | |
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The African red-eyed bulbul or black-fronted bulbul (Pycnonotus nigricans) 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.[2][3][4] It feeds on fruit (including Ficus), flowers, nectar, and insects.[3][4]
Description
The African red-eyed bulbul ranges from 19-21 centimeters (7-8 inches) in length and weighs 30-48 grams (1-1.7 ounces). Its call is a series of loud fluty notes, usually given only by the male.[3][4]
Taxonomy and systematics
The African red-eyed bulbul was originally described in the genus Turdus. The African red-eyed bulbul is considered to belong to a superspecies along with the Himalayan bulbul, white-eared bulbul, white-spectacled bulbul, Cape bulbul, and the common bulbul.[5] The alternate name of 'red-eyed bulbul' is also used by the Asian red-eyed bulbul.
Subspecies
Two subspecies are recognized:[6]
- P. n. nigricans - (Vieillot, 1818): Found in south-western Angola, Namibia and Botswana and western South Africa
- P. n. superior - Clancey, 1959: Found in central South Africa
Gallery
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P. n. nigricans; communal bathing at Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, with one or two keeping watch
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Nominate race at Etosha N. P., showing relatively pale breast plumage
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The easterly P. n. subsp. superior, with darker breast and mantle plumage
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Group of African red-eyed bulbuls in Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Botswana
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African red-eyed bulbul in Okaukuejo, Etosha National Park, Namibia
References
- ^ BirdLife International (2016). "Pycnonotus nigricans". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22712671A94342504. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22712671A94342504.en.
- ^ "Pycnonotus nigricans (African Red-eyed Bulbul, Black-fronted Bulbul, Red-eyed Bulbul)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
- ^ a b c "Black-fronted Bulbul (Pycnonotus nigricans)". www.hbw.com. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
- ^ a b c Sinclair, Ian; Ryan, Peter (2009). Complete photographic field guide birds of Southern Africa. Struik Nature.
- ^ "Himalayan Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucogenys)". www.hbw.com. Retrieved 23 March 2017.
- ^ "Bulbuls « IOC World Bird List". www.worldbirdnames.org. Retrieved 26 March 2017.
External links
- African red-eyed bulbul - Species text in The Atlas of Southern African Birds.