Black-fronted Bulbul Pycnonotus nigricans Scientific name definitions

19–21 cm; 21·5–37·5 g. A medium-sized bulbul with slightly peaked crown, giving distinctive, squarish head shape. Has head and neck black, ring of bare orange or orange-red skin around eye ; upperparts , including wings, grey-brown, some feathers with paler margins; tail blackish-brown, very narrow pale tips (which disappear through abrasion); chin and throat blackish-brown, side of neck and breast brown, feathers with pale fringes producing scaly appearance, lower breast whitish with some narrow brown streaking, flanks pale brown, belly white, vent and undertail-coverts bright yellow; iris bright red to orange; bill black; legs black. Differs from very similar P. barbatus and P. capensis in conspicuous ­orange-red eyering. Sexes alike, female on average slightly smaller than male. Juvenile is like adult, but duller and paler above, eyering pink, eye brown; newly fledged young have no coloured eyering, by 2 months acquire yellowish-white ring, which gradually changes to pink by 3 months. Race <em>superior</em> in on average larger than nominate, slightly darker above, and blackish-brown of throat extends farther on to breast, which is more extensively brown.

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Editor's Note: Additional distribution information for this taxon can be found in the 'Subspecies' article above. In the future we will develop a range-wide distribution article.

Dry woodland, acacia (Acacia) savanna, semi-arid shrubland, riverine bush, and shrubby watercourses in otherwise open and treeless areas; also orchards and gardens . Replaces P. barbatus and P. capensis in wide range of habitats in arid and semi-arid regions, wherever water and sufficient trees or shrubs present. Distribution corresponds with lower winter temperatures and higher coefficient of variation in annual rainfall of arid interior. Lowlands from sea-level, to 2000 m in W Lesotho.

Large range of wild and cultivated fruits; also arthropods and nectar. Fruits taken include, among others, figs (Ficus), Lantana, Popowia, mulberry, grapes. Arthropods mostly insects, such as beetles (Coleoptera), ants (Hymenoptera) and aphids (Homoptera). In captivity, average daily consumption (dry weight) c. 22% of the bird’s own weight. Usually found in pairs or small, loose groups; larger foraging flocks during non-breeding season, when regularly joins mixed-species parties. Noisy and conspicuous, with continuous, excited calling from large groups gathered at fruiting trees. Forages, sometimes acrobatically, in trees and shrubs; occasionally on ground. Flies up to hawk insects above vegetation, and darts after insects flushed from foliage. Visits feeders and birdbaths in gardens, where it becomes tame and familiar. Drinks regularly.

Loud song of repeated phrases, each of up to c. 7 notes, given generally only by male in the wild (both sexes apparently sing in captivity); very like that of P. barbatus, but delivered more slowly and with notes tending to be a little richer and deeper. Contact call a fast jumble of c. 3–5 notes, also various chattering and nasal calls; loud chattering call of 2–3 seconds by male during wing-flicking display, in conflict situations or as greeting to mate; all calls extremely similar to those of P. barbatus.