The Black Bulbul, Hypsipetes leucocephalus, or Hypsipetes madagascariensis, is a member of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is a resident breeder from Madagascar and the islands of the Indian Ocean into tropical southern Asia from India and Sri Lanka east to southern China.

There are a number of subspecies across this huge range, mostly varying in the shade of the body plumage.

This bird is found in broad-leaved forests and cultivation. It builds its nest in a tree or bush; two to four eggs is a typical clutch.

Black Bulbul is 24-25cm in length, with a long tail. The body plumage ranges from slate grey to shimmering black, depending on the race. The beak, legs, and feet are all red and the head has a black fluffy crest.

Sexes are similar in plumage, but young birds lack the crest, have whitish underparts with a grey breast band, and have a brown tint to the upperparts.

Black Bulbuls feed mainly on seeds and insects, and they are often seen in small groups, either roosting or flying about in search of food. They are particularly fond of berries. They can be quite noisy, making various loud miao calls.

Reference

• Birds of India by Grimmett, Inskipp and Inskipp, ISBN 0-691-04910-6