Seychelles Bulbul: where and when to see them

The Seychelles bulbul is a robust, vocal songbird endemic to the granitic Seychelles. Its olive-brown plumage is understated, but a shaggy head and strong orange bill give it considerable character. It remains relatively widespread within suitable habitat on several islands, using native forest as well as modified landscapes. Its varied diet and willingness to forage at different heights help it exploit changing food supplies without depending on a single plant species.

Size

24–25 cm body length

Weight

Not reliably established

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Bulbuls commonly move in pairs or small groups, advertising their presence with loud, varied calls. They forage through foliage, investigate fruiting branches and make short flights to catch or collect animal prey. Breeding pairs build an open cup nest supported by vegetation. Birds may be conspicuous along forest edges, but persistent alarm calling can indicate that an observer is too close to a nest or dependent young. Their vocalizations are complex, including chattering, whistling, and harsh alarm calls, serving various social and territorial functions. They are often seen mobbing larger birds like raptors or owls, demonstrating a protective instinct for their nesting or roosting areas.

• It is one of the endemic land birds still found on several granitic islands.
• Its scientific species name refers to its thick bill.
• A mixed fruit-and-invertebrate diet lets it use both native and planted vegetation.
• Its loud calls often reveal its presence before its subdued plumage becomes visible.

Seychelles bulbuls are resident and can be sought throughout the year. April to May and October to November often offer pleasant conditions for walking and listening. Early morning activity is generally more useful than choosing a narrow seasonal window. Breeding activity peaks between September and March, coinciding with abundant food resources, though they can breed year-round if conditions are favorable. Observing them during the drier months might offer clearer views as foliage is less dense and birds may forage more openly.

Native forest, secondary growth, scrub and well-vegetated gardens all provide habitat. The species occurs from lowland areas into hill forest where cover and food remain available. Wooded coastal paths can be suitable, unlike exposed sandy beaches or heavily built shorelines. They are highly adaptable and thrive in human-modified environments like plantations and home gardens, demonstrating a tolerance for some habitat disturbance. While present on most granitic islands, their distribution is restricted to areas with sufficient tree cover and freshwater access.

Fruit and invertebrates form the core diet, with flowers and other plant material also used. Birds glean insects from vegetation and exploit locally abundant berries. This mixture allows them to feed in both relatively intact forest and planted landscapes. They play a role in seed dispersal for various native and introduced plant species, aiding forest regeneration and spread. Their diet shifts seasonally, with fruit consumption increasing when berries are ripe and invertebrate intake rising during insect breeding periods.

Common name

Seychelles Bulbul

Scientific name

Hypsipetes crassirostris

Animal group

Birds

Size

24–25 cm body length

Weight

Not reliably established

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Identification

Its large orange bill, shaggy crown and brownish body distinguish it from the slimmer Seychelles warbler and the dark, yellow-billed introduced common myna. Juveniles have a duller bill and less pronounced shaggy crest than adults, acquiring full adult plumage over several months. The bright rufous-orange bill, often described as carrot-like, is a key distinguishing feature even in poor light conditions.