African Red-eyed Bulbul

The African Red-eyed Bulbul [Pycnonotus nigricans] is found in Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe. A near endemic to Southern Africa. It is extremely common throughout most of its range, inhabiting savanna grasslands, woodland and riverine bush, farmyards, gardens and orchards, preferring to be near water.

Description

They are quite distinctive with their black heads and bright orange-red eye rings and lemon-yellow vents. 

Call

Males often call from the top of a tree – till-pop-peep-peep-tiddlypop. It is a cheerful call which is heard throughout the day, as the birds are conspicuous and vocal in pairs or small groups.

Food

They mainly eat fruit, supplemented with nectar, flowers and arthropods. They drink frequently. 

Breeding

Monogamous, with males aggressively defending their territory. The nest is typically built by the female, and is a untidy cup. The egg-laying season is from September-April, peaking October-December. They lay 2-3 eggs which are incubated solely by the female for about 11-13 days.

The chicks are fed by both parents, leaving the nest after about 12 day.

Conservation Status – Least Concern

No threatened, common and widely distributed. Thrives in gardens and orchards, and has benefited from the provisioning of water for stock animals in arid areas.

Birdwatching

Ask Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures to create an Aves custom tour for you or book on the following scheduled Aves Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure: -

Aves Arid Tour/Safari/Adventure.