Dark capped bulbul

Introduction: Dark-capped bulbuls (Pycnonotus tricolour) will inhabit any wooded or bushy environment that contains a suitable amount of fruiting trees and shrubs. Therefore gardens and orchards associated with human communities can expect to be visited by this species.

Distribution: North Namibia especially the Kavango River region and the waterways and river systems of the Caprivi Strip especially around the Kwando/Chobe/Zambezi Rivers.

Diet: Picks fruit and gleans insects from trees. Eats berries whole, probes flowers for nectar (coating its head with pollen in the process) and removes spiders from their web and eats them. Will be attracted to bird tables, picnic sites and camping grounds.

Description: Upper parts mainly greyish brown less for a dark brown face, top of head and chin. Often confused with the African red-eyed bulbul which has a broader orange eye ring. Thickly feathered (Pycnonotus) backs are a feature.
Breeding: As the female builds the nest the male will stand around and sing until it is finished. It is made of dry grass and small twigs and bound with spider web. Females lay 2 or 3 eggs between September and January and take up to 15 days to incubate.

Size: 21g.

Weight: 40g.