Dark-capped Bulbul

Swartoogtiptol · Pycnonotus tricolor

One of the most familiar and conspicuous birds in Kruger, brown with a slightly crested dark head, a white breast and a bright yellow patch under the tail. Noisy, bold and sociable, it is common around every rest camp, feeding on fruit, nectar and insects. Its cheerful, liquid song and chattering alarm calls are part of the everyday soundtrack of the bush.

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How to identify it

Brown bird with a dark crested head, white breast and bright yellow vent under the tail; a cheerful, conspicuous garden bird.

Listen for its call

Cheery "quick, doctor, quick!" — one of the bush's friendliest voices.

Where to see it in Kruger

Resident park-wide in woodland, thickets, riverine bush and especially rest camps, often perched openly and singing.

Did you know

Its bright, bubbly song sounds just like it is calling out 'quick, doctor, quick' across the camp.

Often confused with

Sombre Greenbul

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