The bulbul bird, known for its melodious song, is referred to by several different English names depending on the specific species and location. In this article, we will explore the various English names used for bulbuls around the world.
What is a Bulbul?
Bulbuls are medium-sized songbirds in the Pycnonotidae family. There are over 140 different species of bulbuls found across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. They are characterized by their vocalizations, crest feathers on their heads, and in some species, bright yellow undertail coverts.
Some of the most common bulbul species include:
- Red-whiskered Bulbul
- Red-vented Bulbul
- Yellow-vented Bulbul
- African Red-eyed Bulbul
- Common Bulbul
- Black-crested Bulbul
Bulbuls thrive in a variety of habitats from forests to scrublands to urban gardens. They build cup-shaped nests and lay clutches of two to five eggs. These sociable, medium-sized birds feed on fruit, nectar, insects, and some seeds.
English Names for Bulbuls
There are many regional English names used for different bulbul species worldwide, some referencing physical features while others reference their calls. Here are some of the common English names:
Asia
- Red-whiskered Bulbul – also called Brown-eared Bulbul, Brown-cheeked Bulbul, Ruby-faced Bulbul
- Red-vented Bulbul – also called White-cheeked Bulbul, Himalayan Red-vented Bulbul
- Yellow-vented Bulbul – also called Eastern Yellow-vented Bulbul, Black-headed Yellow-vented Bulbul
- Light-vented Bulbul
- Chinese Bulbul
- Black-crested Bulbul – also called Black-crowned Yellow Bulbul, Yellow-tufted Black Bulbul
- Bornean Bulbul
Africa
- Common Bulbul – also called Garden Bulbul, Black-eyed Bulbul, Dark-capped Bulbul
- Shelley’s Greenbul
- Yellow-whiskered Greenbul
- Little Greenbul
- Leaflove
- Simple Greenbul
- Golden Greenbul
- Honeyguide Greenbul
Middle East
- White-spectacled Bulbul
- White-cheeked Bulbul
- Red-vented Bulbul
- African Red-eyed Bulbul
- Somali Bulbul
- Common Bulbul
- Red-tailed Wheatear
As you can see, bulbuls in different parts of the world are referred to by a wide variety of descriptive English names. The same species may even have different regional names.
Popular Bulbul Species and Their English Names
Here is a more in-depth look at some of the most popular bulbul species and the English names commonly used for them:
Red-whiskered Bulbul
Scientific name: Pycnonotus jocosus
Range: Originally from Asia but now introduced in parts of Australia, North America, and other regions
English names:
- Red-whiskered Bulbul
- Brown-eared Bulbul
- Ruby-faced Bulbul
- Scarlet-tufted Bulbul
Identifying features: Reddish patch around the eyes, black crest, white cheeks
Red-vented Bulbul
Scientific name: Pycnonotus cafer
Range: India, Sri Lanka, parts of Southeast Asia
English names:
- Red-vented Bulbul
- White-cheeked Bulbul
- Himalayan Red-vented Bulbul
Identifying features: Black head, white cheeks, red undertail coverts
Yellow-vented Bulbul
Scientific name: Pycnonotus goiavier
Range: Southeast Asia, parts of Middle East, introduced in Hawaii
English names:
- Yellow-vented Bulbul
- Eastern Yellow-vented Bulbul
- Black-headed Yellow-vented Bulbul
Identifying features: Black head, white throat, yellow undertail and vent
Common Bulbul
Scientific name: Pycnonotus barbatus
Range: Sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Middle East, introduced in Madagascar
English names:
- Common Bulbul
- Dark-capped Bulbul
- Black-eyed Bulbul
- Garden Bulbul
Identifying features: Black cap, white throat, yellow undertail coverts
Conclusion
In summary, bulbuls around the world are known by many different English names. While the scientific names are consistent, regional English names vary based on physical features, habitat, calls, and more. Some of the most common English bulbul names include Red-whiskered Bulbul, Red-vented Bulbul, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Common Bulbul, and many others.
The shared traits of bulbuls are their vocalizations, head crests, and in some species yellow undertail coverts. But there are over 140 different bulbul species globally that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Understanding both the scientific and the common English names for bulbuls can help birders and ornithologists identify and discuss these marvelous songbirds.