Hypsipetes borbonicus
The Réunion Bulbul, scientifically known as *Hypsipetes borbonicus*, is a striking medium-sized passerine endemic to Réunion Island, distinguished by its sleek grey plumage and vibrant red bill and legs. Adults measure approximately 22-24 cm in length and weigh between 45-55 grams, making it a robust member of the bulbul family (Pycnonotidae). A prominent white eye-ring provides a key field mark against its otherwise muted grey head. This monotypic species, meaning it has no recognized subspe...
This bulbul primarily inhabits humid evergreen and montane forests, thriving at elevations ranging from 200 to over 2,000 meters above sea level.
Their diet is omnivorous, primarily consisting of a wide variety of fruits and berries, supplemented by insects caught through gleaning and aerial hawking.
Réunion Bulbuls are largely diurnal, actively foraging throughout the day from the forest understory to the canopy, and roosting communally or in pairs within dense foliage at night. Their foraging strategy involves a mix of gleaning insects from leaves and branches, sallying for flying insects, ...
The Réunion Bulbul is entirely restricted to Réunion Island, a French overseas department in the western Indian Ocean. It is a resident, non-migratory species, found across most of the island's suitable forested habitats. Its distribution spans from the lower humid evergreen forests, around 200 m...
Least Concern
- The Réunion Bulbul is completely endemic, found nowhere else in the world except its namesake island. - Locals often refer to it as the "Merle pays," meaning "country thrush," despite it being a bulbul and not closely related to true thrushes. - Its bright red bill and legs provide a striking c...