Malagasy Bulbul

Hypsipetes madagascariensis - Bulbul de Madagascar

Systematics

Order
:
Passeriformes
Family
:
Pycnonotidés
Genus
:
Hypsipetes
Species
:
madagascariensis

Descriptor

Müller, PLS, 1776

Biometrics

Size
: 24 cm
Wingspan
: -
Weight
: 33 à 52 g

Geographic range

Distribution

Identification

The Malagasy Bulbul is a bird slightly smaller than the Blackbird. There is no sexual dimorphism. It is in the average size of other bulbuls. The chin, the crown and the forehead are black. The body is entirely dark grey on the top and grey ash on the bottom. The beak is bright orange and the legs are yellow. It has a magnificent vivid red iris that one cannot forget. The feathers of the head are bristled giving it a small stern side. The juvenile is duller and its iris is darker.

Subspecific information 3 subspecies

Hypsipetes madagascariensis madagascariensis (Madagascar and Comoro Is.)
Hypsipetes madagascariensis grotei (Glorioso Is.)
Hypsipetes madagascariensis rostratus (Aldabra Is.)

Foreign names

Bulbul de Madagascar,
Bulbul malgache,
bulbul-malgaxe,
Madagaskar-Rotschnabelbülbül,
madagaszkári bülbül,
Zwarte Buulbuul,
Bulbul del Madagascar,
madagaskarbulbyl,
Madagaskarbylbyl,
bylbyl horovana,
bulbulčík ostrovní,
Madagaskarbulbul,
mustabulbuli,
bulbul fumat de Madagascar,
szczeciak ciemny,
Мадагаскарский восточный бюльбюль,
クロヒヨドリ,
马岛短脚鹎,
馬達加斯加黑短腳鵯,

Voice song and cries

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Habitat

The Malagasy Bulbul frequents all kinds of habitats, from forests to gardens both in the country and in towns, as well as coastal areas.

Behaviour character trait

The Malagasy Bulbul is a gregarious bird. It can live both as a pair and in large colonies mixing with other bird colonies while searching for food. The Malagasy Bulbul is an opportunistic and eclectic bird.

Flight

The Malagasy Bulbul has a strong and direct flight.

Dietfeeding habits

The Malagasy Bulbul feeds on fruits, berries and insects. Opportunistic, it does not hesitate to approach homes to come and steal breadcrumbs, rice grains and even leftovers from a meal.

Reproduction nesting

The Malagasy Bulbul nests in trees at the tips of thin branches, which reduces predation, particularly from rats. The nest is cup-shaped and roughly built, made of grass and twigs. The female lays 3 to 4 eggs there.

Geographic range

The Malagasy Bulbul is endemic to the region. It is common in Madagascar, Aldabra and on the 4 islands of the Comoros. It has also been observed in the Glorieuses.