Mauritius bulbul

The Mauritius bulbul, a charming songbird native to Mauritius, belongs to the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It was previously classified under the genus Ixocincla and was once considered a subspecies of the Réunion bulbul. This bird is also known as the Mauritius black bulbul or the Mauritius merle. Growing up to 24 cm in length, the Mauritius bulbul is easily identified by its yellow-brown eyes, pink legs, and an orange to yellow bill. Juveniles, in contrast, have pale brown feathers and a blackish bill.

In terms of their reproductive habits, female Mauritius bulbuls lay two pinkish eggs during the southern summer. The incubation period lasts between 14 to 16 days. Their diet is diverse, consisting of insects, seeds, and fruits, with a particular fondness for the berries of the non-native Spanish Flag plant.

The Mauritius bulbul faces several threats. Historically, they were hunted for food, and their habitats have been diminished due to the spread of tea plantations and invasive weeds. Additionally, they are preyed upon by the crab-eating macaque. Despite these challenges, conservation efforts have shown some success. In the mid-1970s, the population had dwindled to just 200 pairs, but by 1993, numbers had stabilized to around 280 pairs.