About Hypsipetes crassirostris E.Newton, 1867
The scientific name of the Seychelles bulbul is Hypsipetes crassirostris E.Newton, 1867. It is a member of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is a common endemic species of the Seychelles, breeding on Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette, and some smaller islands of the region. The Seychelles bulbul is a social bird, living in pairs, family groups, or small flocks. It occupies forest and woodland habitats ranging from sea level up to the granitic mountains. It is monogamous and territorial during the breeding season. Its breeding territory has a diameter of about 200 m (660 ft). It defends this territory against other bulbuls and potential predators using loud alarm calls, and will even mob large intruders, including humans. A helper bird, most likely a previous offspring of the breeding pair, is tolerated within the territory, but is not allowed to approach the nest. This species is omnivorous, feeding on fruit, flowers, eggs, and insects. It gleans insects from foliage, or catches them during short flying hawks. The Seychelles bulbul is very aggressive towards other bird species, and will chase away birds as large as green-backed herons from its feeding areas.
