Reunion Bulbul

The Reunion Bulbul, as its name suggests, is endemic to the island of Réunion. Locals refer to it as Merle pays (Merl pei in Creole). It is not to be confused with the Eurasian Blackbird (Pycnonotus jocosus), which is also present on Réunion. Quite similar to other bulbuls in the Madagascar region and still more to the Mauritius Bulbul (Hypsipetes olivaceus), it is more olive-green and is the only one with white irises. There is no sexual dimorphism in this species. The female only has slightly smaller measurements than the male. They all have a common crown with black and shaggy feathers. The feathers on the head become grey ash until the back of the neck, the sides, the throat and chest. The lores remain well black like the crown feathers. The mantle is also grey ash but a bit lighter, with slightly darker streaks. The back, the rump and the stomach are dark olive-grey, some feathers on the lower belly are dirty white. The tail and wing feathers are dark grey-brown with slight black edges. The beak and feet are orange. Juveniles differ from adults in the intensity of the colours, which are more dull and pale. The primaries and secondaries are a rust colour.