require fruit, however, I feel they they are being fed the adult diet and would all suffer from malnutrition if remain dependent on their parents for maintained purely on fruit for any another 2-1/2 weeks. When they are extended length of time. They do not independent they should be removed like descending to the ground so all from the breeding aviary before they by Grant Rishman Victoria, BC, Canada food and water should be offered are attacked by the adult male. Two or from a platform a few feet up. three nests in a season are not Members of this family are among unusual. the easiest softbills to breed but they The follOWing paragraphs contain Few can have made such a should not be compared to the seed­ descriptions and other information on contribution to softbill aviculture as eaters. Although their breeding stimuli some of the interesting members of the 120 species belonging to the are still largely unknown, more infor­ this family. family. They are very hardy mation will hopefully become avail­ I and are quite easy to manage. The able as more aviculturists specialize Red-whiskered Bulbul Red-whiskered Bulbul is undemand­ with this family. One major problem is (Pycnonotusjocosus) ing and. makes a perfect for the that they are almost impossible to sex Eight inches long; bill black; head beginner, while there are also much visually. As a general rule, the males and crest black; cheeks white with a rarer species to interest the more are slightly larger and broader than red ear patch superimposed; upper­ experienced aviculturists. their mates. This is not a very reliable parts brownish grey; throat white; Bulbuls have a wide distribution method as it does not take into undertail coverts red; legs and feet throughout tropical Africa and Asia, account the various subspecies. dark grey. Sexes similar. with some species venturing as far When serious breeding is at­ This common bulbul has five differ­ north as China and Japan in the east tempted, it is best to house each pair ent races coming from India. Three and southern Turkey in the west. They separately in a planted aviary. As the have white tips to their tail while the are usually found inhabiting lowland male displays he can be seen sitting others lack these markings. It is the and hill jungles, gardens and ever­ next to his mate with his crest held most frequently bred member of this green forests. Some species ascend down against his head and with his family and usually raises its young the mountains to about 13,000 feet wings and tail lowered. The sound he without too much difficulty. They are where they are often found moving makes could be likened to the very hardy and can overwinter with through the trees in mixed species "meow" of a cat. If they are housed minimal heat. Other names: Red-eared flocks with small babblers. Some spe­ with smaller birds, in the breeding Bulbul. cies are very familiar, living in parks season the male bulbul may become and gardens, while others are very overly aggressive and if they are Red-vented Bulbul secretive living in dense forests. housed with larger birds they are ( cafer) The African bulbuls are just as com­ often intimidated themselves. Eight inches long; bill black; crest mon as their Asian cousins in the wild My bulbuls have always built a and throat black; cheeks brown; but appear to be much rarer in captiv­ shallow nest near the aviary roof upperparts and breast dark brown, the ity. The exporters from Africa tend to (about seven feet up). The nest is a feathers are edged with white which concentrate on the more beautiful loose structure consisting of grass and gives a scale-like appearance; abdo­ finches and exotic reptiles. coconut fibre. There are some reports men white; vent area red; legs and feet When compared to other softbills of nest boxes being used, but this has dark grey. Hen is slightly duller. the bulbuls are quite somberly col­ not been the case in my experience. Another ideal softbill for the begin­ ored, many have crests and show The two or three, sometimes four, off­ ner, they are very hardy and easily shades of brown, olive and yellow. white eggs are almost one inch long maintained. These birds are cheerful However, it is their industrious, with the blunt end being covered in and confident, quickly becoming tame inquisitive and friendly nature that dark reddish markings. The hen does and confiding. Their song is the same make them so popular in captivity. most of the incubating but the male - cheerful and confident - and not too Many have pleasant little songs, while may relieve her occasionally. The melodious! This spec-ies may use a others are quite noisy and chatter con­ brooding bird lies very low in the nest wooden box or basket when breeding. stantly. When not breeding, the with its crest held flat against the head smaller species can be safely housed and may easily be overlooked. White-eared Bulbul with other birds and I have even The eggs hatch after 12 to 14 days. (Pycnonotus aurigaster) housed them with small finches. Some For the first two or three days the Seven and one half inches long; bill of the larger species, such as the Black adults will feed only livefood which is black; head and crest dark brown; Bulbul, need to be checked for swallowed and then regurgitated to cheeks white; upperparts dull brown; aggressiveness in almost any mixed the chicks. From three days onwards throat black; breast and underparts species flight. the Iivefood is carried back to the nest greyish white; undertail coverts Bulbuls are classified as "fruit­ in the parent's bill and is fed direct to yellow (some subspecies have red biased omnivores" and will thrive on a the chicks. Large quantities of suitable undertail coverts); legs and feet dark diet that includes various soft fruits, livefood (mealworms, crickets, cater­ grey. Sexes alike. berries, soaked mynah pellets, insec­ pillars, etc.) should be supplied at this This is slightly smaller than the tile mix and insects. Some fanCiers time. The young develop quickly and previous species and not quite as argue that they are frugivores and only fledge after two weeks. At this time hardy. It should be overwintered at a 56 August / September 1993 minimum temperature of about 50°F. The two outstanding features of this species are the large circular white cheek patch and the fOlWard pointing crest. They can boast one of the more melodious songs which consists of three or four cheerful rollicking phrases syllabified as "take Ine with you" or "tea for two" in endless com­ binations. Other names: Black-capped Bulbul, Yellow-vented Bulbul (this latter name does cause SOine confusion as it is the common nalne for Pycnonotus goiavier.

Finch-billed Bulbul (Spizixos canifronsJ Eight inches long; bill grey; crest black; cheeks and throat grey; upper­ parts olive brown; breast olive green fading to yellow in the abdolnen area; legs and feet brown. Sexes alike. This species, and the closely related Collared Bulbul (S.semitorquesJ, are characterized by their relatively thick bills. In addition to the diet already Bulbuls not only build natural nests (above) but UJill use an open wooden box or basket. suggested, these species will readily accept seed. They are both very hardy and require minimal winter heat.

,Black-crested Bulbul (Pycnonotus melanicterusJ Seven and one half inches; bill black; head and crest black; upper­ parts brown; throat and underparts yellow; (subspecies johnsonihas a red throat); legs and feet dark grey. Sexes alike. Although a COlnlnon resident in Thailand and parts of India, this spe­ cies is not often imported, probably due to the difficulties involved with transferring them to a domestic diet. Even when first itnported these birds are very caltn and are soon accepting mealworms and other treats straight froin their keeper's hand. This species is not particularly hardy and should be overwintered at a minilnum tempera­ ture of 50°F. Other names: Black­ crested Yellow Bulbul. In conclusion, although many mem­ bers of this fan1ily do not sport bright and gaudy colors, it is their personality and confiding nature that has made theln so popular. They are very easy to keep and, like all softbills, still present some challenges when it The Red-ventedBulbul is an idealsojibilljor the beginner, being ve,y hardy and easily cOlnes to breeding. The rewards Inore maintained. Bulbuls, however, are not allowed in S01ne states as they are considered agri­ than make up for the extra effort culturalpests. involved.•

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