Practical information to identify and manage non-native, invasive plants and animals
The Quiet Invasion:A Guide to Invasive Species of the Galveston Bay Area
Pycnonotus cafer
| ITIS TSN: | 178506 |
| Presence: | Current Invaders |
| Habitat: | Aquatic |
| Native Range: | Southern Asia |
Human Health
This species poses no known human health impacts.Prohibited Lists
As of 2010, this species is not prohibited by the TPWD.Introduction Pathways
Introduction of the red-vented bulbul in the Lower Galveston Bay watershed is believed to have occurred through the release of escaped pet birds (HAS 2010). The red-vented bulbul has also been known to nest in shipping containers and may be transported over long distances this way (ISSG 2007b).Geographic Distribution
This species is found on Pacific island nations and in the U.S. (ISSG 2007b). This species occurs in the Lower Galveston Bay watershed in Harris County (HAS 2010).Specific Primary Habitats
The red-vented bulbul thrives in open areas such as parks and gardens, but can also be found in open forested or agricultural habitats. They build their nests in bushes at a height of 2-3 meters (ISSG 2007b).Ecological, Economic, or Social Impact
Red-vented bulbuls damage fruits, flower buds, insects, and certain vegetables. They may also help in the spread of seeds of invasive plant species. Bubuls are very aggressive and may outcompete native birds for food and habitat (Islam and Williams 2000).Physical Description
The red-vented bulbul is a medium sized bird about 20 cm (8.5 inches) long and weighs between 26 and 45 grams. The bulbul is black on its head, eyes, and beak, and black or dark brown along its body with lighter feather edges giving the body a scaly appearance. The tip of the tail feathers are white and its name is derived from the prominent patches of bright red under its tail. The short crest of dark black feathers on it head gives its head a square appearance. Red-vented bulbuls form large flocks and roost communally (Islam and Williams 2000; ISSG 2007b).Reproduction Characteristics
Red-vented bulbuls can breed year round, with up to three broods per season. Peak breeding in the U.S. is from March to June (Islam and Williams 2000). Each brood consists of 2-4 pinkish eggs with prominent red-brown blotches. Bulbuls exhibit asynchronous hatching and young hatch within 14 days (ISSG 2007b).Feeding
The red-vented bulbul consumes mostly berries and fruit, but also feeds on flower buds, insects, vegetables, lizards, and seeds (ISSG 2007b).Control
Early detection is key to preventing the spread and establishment of this species and regional/local monitoring or surveillance is essential. Nonnative birds should not be released into the wild.Lists
This species belongs to the following lists:
Images
To view a larger version of an image, click on the thumbnail. Adult Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer). The Birds of North America Online. |
 Nest of the Red-vented Bulbul. Photo courtesy of Kim Bridges, http://www.hawaiiinvasivespecies.org/pests/redventedbulbul.html. |
_nest_in_Anantgiri,_AP_W_IMG_8905.jpg) Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) at Ananthagiri Hills, in Rangareddy district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Photo courtesy of J.M Garg, Wikimedia Commons. |