Orange-spotted bulbul explained

The orange-spotted bulbul (Pycnonotus bimaculatus) is a species of songbird in the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is endemic to Java, Bali and Sumatra.

It favors forest edges and open meadows in montane forests.^[1]

Taxonomy and systematics

The orange-spotted bulbul was originally described in the genus Turdus by Thomas Horsfield in 1821. Until 2016, the Aceh bulbul (Pycnonotus snouckaerti) was considered as a subspecies of the orange-spotted bulbul until split by the IOC.^[2] Most other authorities have not yet recognized this split.^[3]

Subspecies

Two subspecies are recognized:^[4]

• P. b. bimaculatus – (Horsfield, 1821): Found on south-western Sumatra, western and central Java
• P. b. tenggerensis – (van Oort, 1911): Found on eastern Java and Bali

Description

Up to 20 cm long. It is a dark-colored and active bulbul with a rounded tail.

Calls

It is a noisy bird, giving out a variety of harsh and loud calls and songs.

Behaviour and ecology

Diet

It is a frugivore.

Reproduction

It breeds throughout the year. Nesting occurs year-round, peaking in May. Nests are robust and cup-shaped.

Notes and References

1. Book: MacKinnon, John. A Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo, Sumatra, Java and Bali. 1993. Oxford University Press. Oxford. 273. Karen Phillips.
2. Web site: Species Updates « IOC World Bird List. www.worldbirdnames.org. en-US. 2017-03-29.
3. Web site: Pycnonotus snouckaerti - Avibase. avibase.bsc-eoc.org. 2017-03-29.
4. Web site: Bulbuls « IOC World Bird List. www.worldbirdnames.org. en-US. 2017-03-28.