Dark-Capped Bulbul vs Cape 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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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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Dark-Capped Bulbul

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Cape 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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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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How to tell the Dark-Capped Bulbul from the Cape Bulbul

Visual differences

The Dark-Capped Bulbul has a blackish-brown upper body and light-gray underparts, with a pronounced dark cap and distinctive red undertail. In contrast, the Cape Bulbul features a glossy olive-black plumage with an olive-yellow underbelly and a neat black crest. The Dark-Capped Bulbul has sharp yellow eyes with a black eye ring, while the Cape Bulbul has dark brown eyes with a narrow white eye-ring. Both average around 8 inches long, but the Cape Bulbul's slender bill and white-tipped tail distinguish it further.

Key differences and behavior

Both the Dark-Capped Bulbul and Cape Bulbul share similar lifestyle traits but also exhibit distinct behaviors. The Dark-Capped Bulbul, found in southeastern Africa, is agile and often forages upside down, requiring proximity to water and inhabiting woodlands and gardens. In contrast, the Cape Bulbul is endemic to South Africa's Fynbos biome, often occupying shrublands and urban environments, adapting well to domestic areas. Dietarily, both species enjoy fruits and insects, yet the Dark-Capped Bulbul also consumes seeds and nectar prominently. In breeding, both engage in vocal courtship and build cup-shaped nests, but the Cape Bulbul engages in mutual preening during courtship. Additionally, the Cape Bulbul, despite its solitary tendencies, withstands brood parasitism by Jacobin cuckoos. Both species have similar lengths around 8 inches but differ slightly in weight, with the Dark-Capped Bulbul being marginally heavier.