Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Pycnonotidae
Genus: Pycnonotus
Species: P. goiavier
Identification
The Yellow-vented Bulbul, Pycnonotus goiavier, is a member of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It builds a well-camouflaged but fragile, loose, deep, cup-shaped nest from grass, leaves, roots, vine stems, and twigs. The nest is untidy on the outside, but it is neatly lined with plant fibers. It may be built in a wide range of places from low bushes to high trees. This is a species adapted to humans and may even nest in gardens.
The Yellow-vented Bulbul lays 2-5 eggs in February to June, variable in colour from white to pinkish, with lots of reddish-brown to lavender spots. Both parents incubate and raise the young.
They are fond of berries and small fruits, especially figs and cinnamon tree fruits. They sip nectar, nibble on young shoots, and snack on insects. They forage in bushes and trees for berries and insects, and may even catch swarming insects on the wing.
Habitat
Yellow-Vented Bulbuls are solitary and feed alone or in pairs, although fruiting trees may attract a flock of them. But they roost in small communities in dense bushes or trees.
They are found nearly everywhere except in the deep forest. Originally from the mangroves and coastal scrub, they have adapted to become one of the most common birds in cultivated areas (parks, gardens, plantations).
Location
Sungei Buloh Nature Park
Singapore
January 2009