Common Bulbul.
Pycnonotus barbatus.
There is no better-known bird in West Africa. It is found everywhere there is any human activity.
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Common Bulbul. Pycnonotus barbatus. There is no better-known bird in West Africa. It is found everywhere there is any human activity. |
| Recognition: Small medium. A drab-coloured bird, upperparts earth brown, underparts dirty white. The slightly crested head and throat are darker, nearly black, distinguishing it from all other bulbuls. |
| Distribution: Throughout West Africa. |
| Habits: Usually in pairs or small parties. The flight is weak and of short duration. Perches conspicuously in bushes and small trees though ocasionally seen on the ground. Small coloured fruits such as peppers are favourite foods; also insects. Remains alert throughout the day and calls at dawn all the year. On alighting the wings are often raised above the back while the birds quickly. Parties collect to scold hawks, snakes, etc. The prolonged breeding period is chiefly in the rains, nests being made in a wide variety of places. |
| Call: A joyful little song, often represented as "Quick, doctor, Quick". When alighting, "toodleee, toodleee". Also a scolding "chit, chit, chit". |
