African red-eyed bulbul facts for kids

Quick facts for kids African red-eyed bulbul
P. n. nigricans Damaraland, Namibia
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
resident, nomadic and migratory range
Synonyms
Turdus nigricans

The African red-eyed bulbul or black-fronted bulbul (Pycnonotus nigricans) is a type of songbird. It belongs to the bulbul family. You can find this bird in southwestern Africa.

This bird lives in dry places like savannas, which are grassy plains with scattered trees. It also likes dry, bushy areas and places near rivers. The African red-eyed bulbul eats different kinds of fruit (including Ficus figs), flowers, sweet nectar, and insects.

What Does This Bird Look Like?

The African red-eyed bulbul is about 19 to 21 centimeters (7 to 8 inches) long. This is about the size of a large smartphone! It weighs between 30 and 48 grams (1 to 1.7 ounces). This is about the weight of a chocolate bar.

The male bulbul makes a special call. It is a series of loud, clear, flute-like sounds.

Bulbul Family Tree

The African red-eyed bulbul was first named in a different group of birds called Turdus. Scientists now know it is part of the bulbul family. It is closely related to several other bulbuls. These include the Himalayan bulbul, white-eared bulbul, and Cape bulbul.

Another bird, the Asian red-eyed bulbul, also shares the name 'red-eyed bulbul'. This can sometimes be a bit confusing!

Types of African Red-Eyed Bulbuls

There are two main types, or subspecies, of the African red-eyed bulbul:

• P. n. nigricans – This type was named by Louis Pierre Vieillot in 1818. You can find it in southwestern Angola, Namibia, Botswana, and western South Africa.
• P. n. superior – This type was named by Phillip Clancey in 1959. It lives in central South Africa.

Gallery

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  P. n. nigricans; communal bathing at Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, with one or two keeping watch

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  Nominate race at Etosha N. P., showing relatively pale breast plumage

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  The easterly P. n. subsp. superior, with darker breast and mantle plumage

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  Group of African red-eyed bulbuls in Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Botswana

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  African red-eyed bulbul in Okaukuejo, Etosha National Park, Namibia