Yellow-vented bulbul

Taxonomy and systematics

The yellow-vented bulbul was originally classified in the genus Muscicapa.

Subspecies

Six subspecies are recognized:

• P. g. jambu - Deignan, 1955: Found from southern Myanmar to southern Indochina
• P. g. analis - (Horsfield, 1821): Originally described as a separate species in the genus Turdus. Found on Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and nearby islands, Java, Bali, Lombok and Sumbawa
• P. g. gourdini - Gray, GR, 1847: Originally described as a separate species in the genus Ixos. Found on Borneo, Maratua and Karimunjava Islands
• P. g. goiavier - (Scopoli, 1786): Found in northern and north-central Philippines
• P. g. samarensis - Rand & Rabor, 1960: Found in central Philippines
• P. g. suluensis - Mearns, 1909: Found in southern Philippines

Behaviour and ecology

The yellow-vented bulbul builds a well-camouflaged but fragile, loose, deep, cup-shaped nest from grass, leaves, roots, vine stems, and twigs. The nest is untidy on the outside, but it is neatly lined with plant fibers. It may be built in a wide range of places from low bushes to high trees. This is a species adapted to humans and may even nest in gardens. The yellow-vented bulbul lays 2–5 eggs in February to June.

The yellow-vented bulbul eats berries and small fruits. They also sip nectar, nibble on young shoots, and take some insects.