Cape Bulbul vs African Red-Eyed Bulbul

Cape Bulbul

Pycnonotus capensis

Also known as: Cape Geelgat

How to recognise a cape bulbul?

General appearance

The Cape Bulbul, known scientifically as Pycnonotus capensis, is a bird species endemic to the Fynbos biome in South Africa. It is relatively small-sized about 20 cm long, distinguished by its glossy black plumage with an olive-yellowish underbelly. This small bird has a neat black crest, a dark brown eye surrounded by a narrow white eye-ring, and a long slender bill. It's characteristic tail is bulbous and displays prominent white tips and edges.

Male vs female

Male and female Cape Bulbuls appear identical with no significant sexual dimorphism. Both sexes share the same greenish-yellow underparts and distinctive olive-black upperparts. Differences in size or colour can't be reliably used to distinguish males from females.

Juvenile

Juvenile Cape Bulbuls resemble the adult birds but their plumage is less glossy. Additionally, the white edges on the feathers of their wings and tails are broader than in adults. Over time, as they mature, they acquire the glossy adult plumage and their white feather edges become as thin as those of mature birds.

Size

7.5 - 8.3 in/1.0 - 1.7 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The Cape bulbul primarily inhabits shrublands and fynbos vegetation of South Africa's southwest coastal region.

Additional range

Additionally, it also occupies broad-leaved woodland and urban gardens, adapting well to domestic or urban environments.

Range Map

What do Cape bulbuls like to eat?

Natural diet

The Cape bulbul primarily feeds on a variety of fruits, berries, and insects. Common fruits include figs and other soft, fleshy fruits. They also consume small invertebrates such as caterpillars, beetles, and ants, which provide essential proteins. The Cape bulbul's diet is opportunistic and may vary seasonally, taking advantage of available resources.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, the Cape bulbul may consume offerings such as sliced fruits, especially bananas and apples. They are also attracted to nectar solutions, similar to those provided for sunbirds. Occasionally, they may sample bits of suet or even small seeds, though they primarily prefer fruit-based foods.

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African Red-Eyed Bulbul

Pycnonotus nigricans

Also known as: Black-Fronted Bulbul

How to recognise an African red-eyed bulbul?

General appearance

The African red-eyed bulbul is characterized by its medium size, nearly 20-25 cm in length, and its distinctive khaki-grey plumage. Easily noticeable are its crimson-red eyes, which aptly offers its name. It also has a distinct thin black crest above its eyes, giving it a capped appearance. Its tail and wings are darker, almost black. This species does not have significant seasonal variations.

Male vs female

Both male and female African red-eyed bulbuls share similar external features, making sexual dimorphism in this species less distinct. The males tend to be slightly larger in size compared to females. However, their coloration, red eye, and capped appearance are consistent across both genders. This feature makes it a bit challenging to distinguish between the sexes in the wild.

Juvenile

Juvenile African red-eyed bulbuls lack the vibrant coloration seen in adults. They have duller grey-brown plumage and their eyes are not yet the characteristic red, instead they have brownish eyes. Their crest is less pronounced, and it takes a few months until they acquire the distinctive adult features.

Size

7.5 - 8.3 in/0.8 - 1.3 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The African red-eyed bulbul prefers savannas, riverine woodlands, and arid scrublands in southern Africa, including Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and northern South Africa. It thrives in areas with dry, warm climates.

Additional range

This species can also adapt to urban environments and gardens, showing surprising resilience in modified landscapes, provided there are ample food sources and some vegetation for shelter.

Range Map

What do African red-eyed bulbuls like to eat?

Natural diet

The African red-eyed bulbul primarily feeds on fruits, which form a significant part of its diet. It enjoys a variety of berries and small fruits from native shrubs and trees. In addition to fruits, this species consumes seeds and small insects. The bulbul can often be seen foraging in flowering plants, consuming nectar and aiding in pollination.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, the African red-eyed bulbul is commonly attracted to offerings of sliced fruits such as apples, bananas, and oranges. It may also eat raisins and other dried fruits provided by bird enthusiasts. The bulbul will occasionally try suet and other protein-rich foods intended for insect-eating birds but shows a preference for sweet and fruity items.

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Cape Bulbul

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African Red-Eyed Bulbul

Cape Bulbul

Pycnonotus capensis

Also known as: Cape Geelgat

General appearance

The Cape Bulbul, known scientifically as Pycnonotus capensis, is a bird species endemic to the Fynbos biome in South Africa. It is relatively small-sized about 20 cm long, distinguished by its glossy black plumage with an olive-yellowish underbelly. This small bird has a neat black crest, a dark brown eye surrounded by a narrow white eye-ring, and a long slender bill. It's characteristic tail is bulbous and displays prominent white tips and edges.

Male vs female

Male and female Cape Bulbuls appear identical with no significant sexual dimorphism. Both sexes share the same greenish-yellow underparts and distinctive olive-black upperparts. Differences in size or colour can't be reliably used to distinguish males from females.

Juvenile

Juvenile Cape Bulbuls resemble the adult birds but their plumage is less glossy. Additionally, the white edges on the feathers of their wings and tails are broader than in adults. Over time, as they mature, they acquire the glossy adult plumage and their white feather edges become as thin as those of mature birds.

Size

7.5 - 8.3 in/1.0 - 1.7 oz

There's more to learn about Cape Bulbul

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African Red-Eyed Bulbul

Pycnonotus nigricans

Also known as: Black-Fronted Bulbul

General appearance

The African red-eyed bulbul is characterized by its medium size, nearly 20-25 cm in length, and its distinctive khaki-grey plumage. Easily noticeable are its crimson-red eyes, which aptly offers its name. It also has a distinct thin black crest above its eyes, giving it a capped appearance. Its tail and wings are darker, almost black. This species does not have significant seasonal variations.

Male vs female

Both male and female African red-eyed bulbuls share similar external features, making sexual dimorphism in this species less distinct. The males tend to be slightly larger in size compared to females. However, their coloration, red eye, and capped appearance are consistent across both genders. This feature makes it a bit challenging to distinguish between the sexes in the wild.

Juvenile

Juvenile African red-eyed bulbuls lack the vibrant coloration seen in adults. They have duller grey-brown plumage and their eyes are not yet the characteristic red, instead they have brownish eyes. Their crest is less pronounced, and it takes a few months until they acquire the distinctive adult features.

Size

7.5 - 8.3 in/0.8 - 1.3 oz

There's more to learn about African Red-Eyed Bulbul

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How to tell the Cape Bulbul from the African Red-Eyed Bulbul

Visual differences

The Cape Bulbul (Pycnonotus capensis) is smaller, with a glossy black crest, olive-yellow underbelly, and a distinctive white eye-ring. It features a slender bill and dark brown eyes. The African Red-Eyed Bulbul (Pycnonotus nigricans) is slightly larger, with khaki-grey plumage, crimson-red eyes, and a thin black crest. Its tail and wings are darker. Both species have similar body lengths (7.5-8.3 inches), but the Cape Bulbul typically appears more vibrant due to its distinct coloration, while the African Red-Eyed Bulbul is known for its red eyes and capped look.

Key differences and behavior

Cape Bulbul (Pycnonotus capensis) and African Red-Eyed Bulbul (Pycnonotus nigricans) exhibit notable behavioral and habitat differences. Cape Bulbuls, endemic to South Africa's fynbos biome, adapt to both shrublands and urban gardens, feeding on fruit and insects. They participate in mutual preening and vocal courtship, nesting in dense shrubbery where both parents nurture fledglings. Conversely, African Red-Eyed Bulbuls inhabit the savannas and arid scrublands of southern Africa. They lean towards areas near water and adapt to urban locales if food and shelter abound. Their diet is primarily fruity, enhanced by seeds and nectar. Both species engage in elaborate courtship, but African Red-Eyed Bulbuls exhibit territorial singing and posturing. Their nests, like Cape Bulbuls', are in dense foliage, fostering offspring care from both parents.