Red-vented Bulbul,The Nesting

The breeding season of Red-vented Bulbul is from March to July.It builds its nest at the fork of a branch of tree or bush generally at a height of around 2-5 m (7-15 ft). Nests are occasionally built inside houses.The nest is cup shaped built with rootlets. Mostly three eggs are found which are pinkish in color blotched with brown.Both the parent incubates the egg for a period of 15-18 days. The chicks remain in nest and are fed for about 10 to 12 days by both the parents.They keep the nest clean by swallowing the fecal material.

This nest in above photograph is built in a Bougainvillea plant in my friend's house just in front of the main gate. I watched it regularly and taken few shots without disturbing the bird.This photograph is taken by my Nikon F801 camera with a 200 mm lens.This is a bright example of man and wildlife thriving side by side.Enjoy the bird watching and know the bird in your back yard.

Red-Vented Bulbul

Common name: Red-vented Bulbul
Species          : Pycnonotus cafer
Family            : Pycnonotidae
Size                : Smaller than a Myna

The Red-vented Bulbul  is a passerine bird  of the bulbul family .The body is a grayish  brown with a scaly pattern above and gray below.The Red-vented Bulbul is easily identified by its  crested glossy black head .  The rump is white while the vent is red i.e  a distinguishing  red patch under  the tail. The black tail is tipped with white. Both male and female look alike.This bird is commonly seen in gardens, scrub jungles and also near human habitation and cultivated lands.It feeds mainly on fruits, petals of flowers, nectar, insects etc. Mostly seen collecting figs to eat from the  trees like peepal and baniyan. The bird can be easily identified from its  whistling sound .It can be easily reared and tamed.In India it is used as a common fighting bird which shouldn't be.After all birds are born to be free.It is nice to observe them in their natural habitat moving freely.