Cape Bulbul vs Red-Vented 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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Red-Vented Bulbul

Pycnonotus cafer

How to recognise a red-vented bulbul?

General appearance

The Red-vented Bulbul is a member of the bulbul family of passerines. It is easily identified by its short crest on the head and a characteristic red colour patch on the vent. They are generally around 20cm in length. Their body is primarily black with dark brown mixed in. The head, throat, and crests are black, while the middle of the belly is white.

Male vs female

Males and females appear largely similar with little sexual dimorphism. Both genders flaunt the white belly and red vent patches. Females are slightly smaller and duller than males. It is challenging to distinguish them based on appearance alone.

Juvenile

Juvenile Red-vented bulbuls resemble adults but have less distinctly colored vent patches. Their upper parts are brownish while the belly and under tail coverts are often tinged rust-brown. The head, crest, and throat are not as starkly black, but instead exhibit a mix of browns. Juveniles attain the mature plumage in about one year.

Size

7.9 - 9.1 in/1.1 - 2.1 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The red-vented bulbul primarily resides in South Asia and Southeast Asia. It prefers warm, tropical climates, living in light forests, scrublands, and cultivated regions.

Additional range

Surprisingly, this bird has also been spotted in places outside its normal range such as Hawaii, Florida, and New Zealand, where it adapts to urban gardens and parks.

Range Map

What do red-vented bulbuls like to eat?

Natural diet

The red-vented bulbul's natural diet mainly consists of fruits, nectar, and insects. They forage in bushes and trees to consume a wide variety of berries such as figs and lantana. Nectar from flowers like hibiscus is also a significant part of their diet. Insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and ants are consumed, providing essential protein. This diverse diet helps the red-vented bulbul adapt to various environments, ensuring their survival in urban and rural landscapes.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, red-vented bulbuls are attracted to fruits and seeds. They often consume cut-up bananas, papayas, and apples, as well as commercially available birdseed mixes that include millet and sunflower seeds. Offering sugar water can mimic the nectar they generally obtain from flowers, attracting these birds. While their presence at bird feeders can vary based on availability of natural food sources, they readily adapt to these supplemental feeding options, especially in urban areas.

What does a red-vented bulbul sound like?

The red-vented bulbul is known for its melodic, rich, and bubbly whistle-like vocalizations. Its songs are sweet and expressive, often featuring a variety of notes and trills. The typical call occurs in sequences; a three-part "chuck-churrrr-ip" sound, while its alarm or distress calls are harsh, screechy, and abrupt. It also mimics calls of other bird species. Males use songs primarily to attract females and deter rivals, especially during breeding season.

Call

Audio by Gypsypkd

Song

Audio by Sudipto Roy

/ CC BY-SA 3.0

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Cape Bulbul

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Red-Vented 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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Red-Vented Bulbul

Pycnonotus cafer

General appearance

The Red-vented Bulbul is a member of the bulbul family of passerines. It is easily identified by its short crest on the head and a characteristic red colour patch on the vent. They are generally around 20cm in length. Their body is primarily black with dark brown mixed in. The head, throat, and crests are black, while the middle of the belly is white.

Male vs female

Males and females appear largely similar with little sexual dimorphism. Both genders flaunt the white belly and red vent patches. Females are slightly smaller and duller than males. It is challenging to distinguish them based on appearance alone.

Juvenile

Juvenile Red-vented bulbuls resemble adults but have less distinctly colored vent patches. Their upper parts are brownish while the belly and under tail coverts are often tinged rust-brown. The head, crest, and throat are not as starkly black, but instead exhibit a mix of browns. Juveniles attain the mature plumage in about one year.

Size

7.9 - 9.1 in/1.1 - 2.1 oz

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How to tell the Cape Bulbul from the Red-Vented Bulbul

Visual differences

The Cape Bulbul is about 7.5-8.3 inches in length and sports glossy black plumage with an olive-yellow underbelly, a distinctive white eye-ring, and bright yellow undertail feathers. It has a neat black crest and a slender bill. In contrast, the Red-Vented Bulbul, measuring roughly 7.9-9.1 inches, features a primarily black body with dark brown, a short black crest, a distinctive red vent patch, and a white belly. Both species show little sexual dimorphism, but the red vent distinguishes the latter visually.

Key differences and behavior

The Cape Bulbul, native to South Africa's Fynbos habitat, and the Red-Vented Bulbul, widespread in South and Southeast Asia, exhibit distinct behaviors. Cape Bulbuls favor dense shrubbery in their natural habitat as well as urban gardens, showing elaborate courtship rituals. Conversely, Red-Vented Bulbuls thrive in tropical climates and are known for their invasive nature, adapting to varied environments including gardens across Asia and other regions like Hawaii. Both species build cup-shaped nests and lay 2-3 eggs, but Cape Bulbuls use spider silk for nest construction. Diet-wise, both favor fruits and insects, yet Cape Bulbuls are notable for their opportunistic feeding, while Red-Vented Bulbuls consumed flower nectar, helping them spread. In urban settings, Cape Bulbuls show preference for nectar solutions, whereas Red-Vented Bulbuls adapt to seeds and sugar water, reflecting their broader adaptability and potential for invasiveness.