Red-Vented Bulbul Overview
The red-vented bulbul is common on Oahu, where it arrived in the 1950s through an unauthorized cage release. It has also been observed on the Big Island, Kauai, Kahoolawe and Molokai, but Oahu remains the island most closely associated with this bird in Hawaii.
This species is known for being noisy, so people may hear it before they see it. Adult males and females look similar. One of its key identifying features is the red patch under the tail, which gives the red-vented bulbul its name.
Habitat, Food and Impact
Red-vented bulbuls can live in both urban areas and mountain forests. This flexibility helps them spread through places where food, trees and nesting cover are available. Their breeding season can occur year-round in Hawaii, which also helps the species maintain strong populations where it is established.
Their diet includes insects, fruits and the occasional lizard. They also feed on orchid buds and many kinds of fruit, which has made them an agricultural pest. For gardeners and farmers, the bird can be a problem because it damages plants and crops rather than simply feeding on wild food sources.
In Hawaii's bird guide, the red-vented bulbul fits with other introduced birds such as the common myna, red-crested cardinal, house finch and zebra dove.
