Common bulbul

Description:

Approximately 20 to 22 cm in length, typically bulbul, with erect stance and short hind-crown crest; predominantly brown. Like Dark-capped bulbul, it has a brown mantle, wing covers and hood, with whitish belly. Unlike Dark-capped, it has white to whitish vent. Sudanese (portrayed here) and Ethiopian populations show somewhat sharper contrast line where the brown cap (hood) and whitish lower chest meet - the typical populations have this line more diffused.

Habitat:

Does not really chose its habitats, it can be found in any kind of habitat, savannah, forest edge, gardens... any habitat except deep and dense forest. Here observed regularly in urban setting of Khartoum. The species is very common in northern part of sub-Saharan Africa, i.e. Sahel belt and coastal area of West Africa.

Notes:

This bulbul is often lumped together with Dark-capped bulbul; the two are sometimes treated as subspecies. However, the main morphological difference is the color of the vent : Dark-capped bulbul has it bright yellow, while the Common bulbul sports white to whitish vent.