Flame-Throated Bulbul Bird Looks Like It Is Wearing A Suit And Bowtie
Some birds look elegant, but the flame-throated bulbul takes it to another level with a look that feels almost dressed up for the occasion. Native to India and known scientifically as Rubigula gularis, this small forest bird stands out for its bright coloring, lively behavior, and habit of living in places that still feel untouched.
It was once treated as a subspecies, but it has since been recognized as a full species after scientists identified enough differences to separate it. That makes the flame-throated bulbul more than just a pretty face, it is also a bird with a story of its own.
From its berry-filled diet to its striking appearance, there is plenty to enjoy about this little forest dweller. Here is the full story.
This is the flame-throated bulbul.
It is a member of the bulbul family of passerine birds. The bulbul family encompasses a collection of medium-sized birds that are distributed across a wide area: throughout most of Africa, into the Middle East, from tropical Asia to Indonesia, and even some as far north as Japan!
The flame-throated bulbul is native to Southern India. It is found exclusively in the forests of the Western Ghats. They can be located in the lowlands and foothills of the Ghats, ranging from 900 m to 1200 m in elevation. The primary habitat of the flame-throated bulbul is the Western Ghats, from southern Maharashtra and Goa southwards.
The birds have a super funky appearance. They are around 18 cm long, making them medium-sized birds. They have an olive-green back and a yellow chest, along with a small black head and an orangey-red throat. This gives them the appearance of wearing a yellow suit with a red bowtie! Their eyes are incredibly vibrant: the iris is white (although it appears pale blue), which contrasts starkly with their head, while their beak is also a dark color. They do not have a crest, which is unusual for a bird of this type.
Male and female flame-throated bulbuls are very similar in appearance.
And if you thought the bulbul’s “suit and bowtie” look was bold, check out the long-eared jerboa flaunting the largest ears on Earth.
Their preferred habitats include scrubby areas, evergreen forests, scrub, and thickets alongside rivers, mixed bamboo, and old forest clearings overgrown with jungle. Rarely, they have been spotted in coffee plantations or on the edges of forests. Fortunately for them, their habitat remains largely untouched, allowing the flame-throated bulbul to live a solitary life.
Flame-throated bulbuls are often seen foraging in small groups for berries and small insects. They feed on berries, insects, figs, and small fruits. The idea of these birds going out in small groups on gathering missions is incredibly cute!
After she has laid the eggs, the female flame-throated bulbul will incubate them alone for 18 to 20 days. The male will help to feed her, and once the eggs have hatched, he will assist in feeding the chicks as well.
The breeding season for the flame-throated bulbul occurs between January and August. They build their nests in the fork of a small, sturdy tree. The process of nest building takes a considerable amount of time. For about 10 days, after finding the perfect location, the birds construct nests from dead leaves, cobwebs, and grass stalks, lining the inside with softer grass.
Check out this short video of them, and hear their unique song!
The flame-throated bulbul is currently thriving in the wild, which is a promising indicator of the health of its ecosystem. This bird exemplifies the resilience of wildlife that can adapt and flourish in environments that remain largely undisturbed by human interference. Unlike many species facing the grim realities of habitat destruction, the bulbul stands out as a symbol of hope amidst the often bleak narratives surrounding wildlife conservation. Birds like the flame-throated bulbul, often unnoticed while they perch above us, play a crucial role in the balance of nature. Their presence not only enriches our environment but serves as a reminder of the beauty that can significantly enhance our overall well-being.
Wait until you see the Indian giant squirrel that looks “too good to be true,” just like this bulbul.
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