Dark-Capped Bulbul vs African Red-Eyed Bulbul

Dark-Capped Bulbul

Pycnonotus tricolor

Also known as: Tricolored Bulbul

How to recognise a dark-capped bulbul?

General appearance

Dark-capped bulbuls have a blackish-brown upper body and light-grayish underparts. Their tails and wings are brown, while their heads bear a pronounced dark cap. They boast a distinctive red undertail, and sharp yellow eyes with an elegant black eye ring. They are generally medium-sized, averaging about 20cm in length.

Male vs female

Male and females Dark-capped bulbuls exhibit no noticeable sexual dimorphism in their physical appearance. Both sexes share the same distinct coloration and size. Thus, it's challenging to identify the sex visually in the wild.

Juvenile

Juvenile dark-capped bulbuls are similar to adults albeit a more modest and less contrasting coloration. Their caps are more brown than black, and their underparts are more whitish. Additionally, their eyes are brownish before maturing to the adult's distinctive yellow. Juveniles also lack the crimson-red undertail seen in adults.

Size

5.9 - 7.9 in/1.0 - 1.7 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The dark-capped bulbul primarily habitates in woodland edges, gardens and forests, located in southeastern Africa.

Additional range

It expands its range to arid regions, with a preference for moderate climates; however, it can occasionally be found in tropical rainforests.

Range Map

What do dark-capped bulbuls like to eat?

Natural diet

The dark-capped bulbul primarily feeds on fruits, seeds, and nectar. It is commonly found consuming berries from various shrubs and small trees. Additionally, it eats insects like beetles, ants, and caterpillars, which provide a source of protein. The dark-capped bulbul has also been known to feed on small invertebrates and occasionally, flower petals.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, the dark-capped bulbul often consumes fruits such as apples, bananas, and grapes that are left out by bird enthusiasts. It is also known to eat commercially available bird seed mixes, especially those containing sunflower seeds. Additionally, sugar water or nectar solutions provided in special feeders can attract these birds, mimicking their natural nectar sources.

What does a dark-capped bulbul sound like?

The dark-capped bulbul's vocalizations are characterized by a variety of melodious warbling sounds, trills, and whistles. Its typical call is a sharp "pit-pit," often followed by a tuneful "ceep-ceep". The song is rather pleasant and full, punctuated by calls and mimicry. It's commonly heard at daybreak, and often includes imitations of other bird species. Their calls are vital for declaring territory and expressing alarm signals.

Song

Audio by Dries Van de Loock

/ CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

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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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Dark-Capped Bulbul

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African Red-Eyed Bulbul

Dark-Capped Bulbul

Pycnonotus tricolor

Also known as: Tricolored Bulbul

General appearance

Dark-capped bulbuls have a blackish-brown upper body and light-grayish underparts. Their tails and wings are brown, while their heads bear a pronounced dark cap. They boast a distinctive red undertail, and sharp yellow eyes with an elegant black eye ring. They are generally medium-sized, averaging about 20cm in length.

Male vs female

Male and females Dark-capped bulbuls exhibit no noticeable sexual dimorphism in their physical appearance. Both sexes share the same distinct coloration and size. Thus, it's challenging to identify the sex visually in the wild.

Juvenile

Juvenile dark-capped bulbuls are similar to adults albeit a more modest and less contrasting coloration. Their caps are more brown than black, and their underparts are more whitish. Additionally, their eyes are brownish before maturing to the adult's distinctive yellow. Juveniles also lack the crimson-red undertail seen in adults.

Size

5.9 - 7.9 in/1.0 - 1.7 oz

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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

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How to tell the Dark-Capped Bulbul from the African Red-Eyed Bulbul

Visual differences

The Dark-Capped Bulbul measures 6-8 inches in length with a blackish-brown upper body, light-grayish underparts, a dark cap, and sharp yellow eyes. It has brown wings, tails, and a distinctive red undertail. The African Red-Eyed Bulbul is slightly longer at 7.5-9.8 inches, sporting khaki-grey plumage, darker almost black wings and tail, a thin black crest, and striking crimson-red eyes. The Dark-Capped Bulbul has a more lightweight appearance, whereas the African Red-Eyed Bulbul displays a capped look with more contrast due to its crest and vibrant eye color.

Key differences and behavior

The Dark-Capped Bulbul and African Red-Eyed Bulbul exhibit different behaviors. Both species are drawn to water-rich environments and have similar diets focusing on fruits, nectar, and insects. The Dark-Capped tends to perform acrobatic moves while foraging and nests in bushes or trees, often engaging in vocal courtship. Conversely, the African Red-Eyed features elaborate courtship displays with posturing. It thrives in arid savannas and urban areas, adapting well to modified landscapes. Both species share parenting duties, with chicks fledging after about two weeks. While Dark-Capped Bulbuls weigh more (1-1.7 oz), both birds are similar in size, yet the Red-Eyed is longer (up to 10 inches); still, both lack significant visual sexual dimorphism.