Seychelles bulbul

The Seychelles bulbul, also known as the Seychelles black bulbul or thick-billed bulbul, is a captivating bird native to the Seychelles islands, including Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette, and several smaller islands. This bird belongs to the bulbul family of passerine birds and shares close affinities with the Grand Comoro bulbul and the Moheli bulbul.

These sociable birds are frequently observed in pairs, family groups, or small flocks, thriving in forest and woodland areas at various elevations. When the breeding season begins, typically from October to January, the Seychelles bulbul becomes monogamous and highly territorial. They vigorously defend their territory with loud alarm calls and can even mob larger intruders.

Breeding pairs construct their nests high up in trees, usually around 10 meters or more, using palm fibers, leaves, twigs, and moss. The incubation period lasts about 15 days, and the chicks fledge approximately 21 days after hatching.

As omnivores, Seychelles bulbuls have a varied diet that includes fruit, flowers, eggs, and insects. They forage by picking food off foliage or catching it during short flights. These birds can be quite assertive, often chasing away other bird species, including larger ones like green-backed herons, from their feeding spots. After fledging, young birds may remain with the adults to learn essential foraging skills.