Black-headed Bulbul

The black-headed bulbul is an approximately 18-centimetre forest bulbul with a glossy black head, bright yellow-green body and contrasting dark wings and tail. Unlike the superficially similar black-crested bulbuls, it lacks a crest. Some birds in parts of the range show grey rather than yellow body plumage. Its clear, musical calls often reveal small parties moving through fruiting trees before the birds themselves are seen (BirdForum Opus, general species account).

The species ranges through South and Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, and principally inhabits moist lowland, swamp and foothill forest. It also enters forest edges, secondary growth, plantations and rural gardens where suitable fruiting vegetation remains. Black-headed bulbuls forage in pairs or loose groups, taking berries and other fruit as well as small invertebrates, and their movements may follow locally abundant fruit rather than a fixed seasonal migration (IUCN habitat account; BirdForum Opus, general species account).