Cape Bulbul Pycnonotus capensis
Cape Province, South Africa (various dates)

The Cape Bulbul is a southern South African endemic found in the coastal bush and fynbos of the Western and Eastern Cape, as well as exotic thickets, gardens and parks. A conspicuous species, like many other similar African Pycnonotus bulbuls it tends to sit chattering away at the top of a bush and is usually seen in pairs or small groups.

The overall colouration of the Cape Bulbul is a dull, blackish brown - the colour extending further down the underparts than in the related Red-eyed and Common Bulbuls. The undertail coverts are bright yellow. The most notable feature though is the prominent white eye-ring, which usually appears much wider at the front (towards the bill) than the rear giving the bird the odd appearance of ‘looking over its shoulder’.

Agulhas Plain, April

 

Kirstenbosch, September

 

Betty’s Bay, May

Photographs copyright Charlie Moores