Microtarsus melanocephalos
The Black-headed Bulbul, *Microtarsus melanocephalos*, is a strikingly marked passerine bird belonging to the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. Averaging 17-19 cm (6.7-7.5 inches) in length and weighing around 20-30 grams, its most distinctive feature is its glossy, jet-black head, which contrasts sharply with its bright olive-green upperparts and brilliant yellow lower belly and undertail coverts. A clean white throat separates the black head from a variable brownish-grey breast and flanks, while...
Primarily inhabits forest edges, secondary growth, open woodlands, scrubland, and cultivated areas like gardens and plantations, generally at low to moderate elevations.
Feeds primarily on a wide variety of fruits (especially figs and berries), supplemented by insects and occasionally nectar. Forages actively by gleaning from foliage and branches.
Black-headed Bulbuls are highly active and diurnal, spending their days foraging energetically and often perching conspicuously. They typically forage by gleaning fruits and insects from foliage and branches, often making short aerial sallies to catch flying insects. During the breeding season, t...
The Black-headed Bulbul is a widespread resident across much of Southeast Asia. Its breeding and year-round range extends from the Malay Peninsula, including peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand, eastwards through Sumatra, Borneo, Java, and Bali. It also occurs on the Palawan group of island...
Least Concern
- The Black-headed Bulbul was recently reclassified from the genus *Pycnonotus* to *Microtarsus*, reflecting new genetic insights into bulbul phylogeny. - Its brilliant yellow undertail coverts are often the brightest part of its plumage, making them a key identification feature. - Despite its pr...