About Pycnonotus gularis (Gould, 1836)
The flame-throated bulbul, scientifically named Pycnonotus gularis (Gould, 1836), measures approximately 18 cm in length. It has an olive-green back, yellow underparts, a squarish black head with no crest, and an orange-red throat. Its white iris contrasts against its dark head; its legs are brown, its gape is yellowish-pink, and its bill ranges from dark brown to black. The plumage of juvenile flame-throated bulbuls has not been formally described. This species is distributed across the Western Ghats, ranging southwards from southern Maharashtra and Goa. It primarily inhabits forest interiors, and is only rarely spotted at forest edges or within coffee plantations. It most often lives in evergreen forests, frequently found along streams and valleys. Flame-throated bulbuls typically stay in small flocks, and feed on berries (including berries from Lantana sp.), other fruits, and insects. They will sometimes join mixed-species foraging flocks. Populations of this bulbul appear to make seasonal movements within the Western Ghats. Its breeding season occurs mainly from February to April. It builds a small cup-shaped nest, placed in undergrowth 1 to 3 meters above ground level. The nest is usually constructed from yellowing leaves bound together with cobwebs, and can easily be mistaken for an accumulation of wind-blown dry leaves.
