Red-vented bulbul  (Pycnonotus cafer)

The red-vented bulbul is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List (1).

The aggressive nature and fruit-eating habits of the red-vented bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer), have unfortunately resulted in it being considered one of the world’s worst invasive alien species in areas where it has been introduced (3).

The upperparts and breast of the red-vented bulbul are dark sooty brown, although each brown feather has a pale edge, resulting in a ‘scaly’ appearance (2). The brown breast shades to a white belly and a white, occasionally cinnamon, rump (4), and the tail is brown with white tips (2). The brownish plumage of the body contrast with the glossy black head, which bears a tufted crest of feathers atop the crown (2) (4). Underneath the tail, around the vent, is the patch of vivid scarlet feathers for which this bird is named (2).

The red-vented bulbul is a rather vocal bird and has distinct calls for acts such as greeting and begging, as well as two distinctive alarm calls. This species frequently calls during pair bonding and in mating rituals (5).

The red-vented bulbul is native to southern Asia, where its range extends from Afghanistan and Pakistan, eastwards to China, and as far south as Sri Lanka (6).

However, this species has also been introduced to numerous countries throughout the world, including New Zealand, the United States and many Pacific Islands (6) (7). These introductions have largely been due to the release, either intentional or accidental, of caged birds (7).

The red-vented bulbul occurs in a variety of habitats, from forest to urban parks and gardens. It is most commonly found in areas with shrubbery and secondary growth, where it builds its nest, preferring the safety of the depths of bushes and tree cavities rather than open branches (3) (8).

Found foraging in both pairs and large flocks, the red-vented bulbul eats mostly soft fruits (such as bananas), berries, seeds and nectar. It is also not uncommon to find this species feasting on insects, and even small reptiles, such as geckos (3) (8). The red-vented bulbul tends to swallow fruits whole and thus the seeds travel through its digestive systems completely intact, making the red-vented bulbul particularly important for dispersing plant seeds (3).

The red-vented bulbul may breed year-round, although breeding activity peaks between January and October. It is thought to have up to three broods within a year, with each brood typically containing two to four eggs. The nest, which is built in just a couple of days, is a shallow cup made from twigs, roots, and other materials such as metal wire and cobwebs. The distinctive eggs of the red-vented bulbul, which are pale pink with darker reddish or purple patches at the broader end, are incubated for about 14 days (3).

The red-vented bulbul, although not territorial, is often considered an aggressive bird. It will displace other birds from their territories and competes directly for food (9). Thus, in areas where the red-vented bulbul has been introduced, this species can have very negative effects on local birds. In addition, the abundance of the red-vented bulbul in agricultural areas and gardens, where it destroys flowers, fruits and vegetables and may help spread the seeds of invasive plants, has resulted in its reputation as a pest (3) (7). In fact, the red-vented bulbul is now considered to be in the top 100 of the world’s worst invasive alien species (3).

The red-vented bulbul is not currently known to be facing any major threats (6).

In the past the red-vented bulbul, along with other bulbuls, was kept as a cage pet (10). Fortunately this activity has been much reduced, as it is the intentional or accidental release of caged birds that has resulted in the red-vented bulbul invading so many countries outside of its native range (3).

As it is a common species and has such a large native range, the red-vented bulbul is not considered to be endangered (6).

Rather than requiring conservation measures, the red-vented bulbul may actually need to be controlled in some areas it has been introduced. Due to its often destructive nature, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service prohibits importing the red-vented bulbul into the U.S. and its territories (11).

View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.

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Find out more

Learn more about the red-vented bulbul:

• BirdLife International - Red-vented bulbul:
  http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=7196