The red-vented bulbul (*Pycnonotus cafer*) is a passerine bird from the bulbul family. It’s characterized by a short crest that gives its head a distinctive squarish profile. The plumage is primarily dark brown with a scaly appearance, and the head is often darker or black².
This medium-sized bird measures about 20 cm (7.9 in) in length and is found across South Asia, with introduced populations in various parts of the world. It has a distinctive black head, white to light grey underparts, and a prominent crimson-red patch beneath the tail.
Additionally, it’s a noisy, gregarious bird that may help spread the seeds of other invasive species and is considered an agricultural pest, damaging fruit, flowers, beans, tomatoes, and peas³. 🐦🌿