Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Hisa kalu Kondaya - The Black-Capped Bulbul (Pycnonotus melanicterus)


Identification

Rather smaller than the Red-vented Bulbul. In general coloration some what like the preceding species, but at once distinguished by   its black cap and white-tipped, dark-brown tail.

Behavior


It is found in pairs or small parties. Its call-note is a plaintive, minor-key whistle on an ascending scale, something like yor, yer ye, or wer wer we we - each syllable higher than the last.

The nest is very similar to the small ones of Red-vented Bulbul. It is a cup, composed of small twigs, rootlets, etc., rather flimsily built, and line scantily with fibres. It is well concealed among foliage, either in a low bush or in a small tree growing in a wooded ravine or on the outskirts of forest, etc. The eggs normally number two, and they resemble small ones of Red-vented Bulbul, being pinkish white, heavily spotted and speckled with reddish brown. They measure about 20.9 × 15.7 mm. 

Location

Black-capped Bulbul is found in throughout the hills, up to at least 4,000 feet, and in scattered colonies in the dry zone except in the most arid parts. It prefers forest varied by open country, shoals and the like, to dense forest.

Gallery







2 comments:

  1. well done. if you need any photographs please let me know and i may be able to provide you. if you need further clarifications please log on to my facebook page under the same name.
    Dhilip De Alwis

    ReplyDelete