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A Suspected Crossbreed

on 19th June 2013

“On a recent trip to Bukit Batok Nature Park, an odd-looking bird was encountered. Initially thought to be the ubiquitous Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier) due to its prominent yellow vent, it seemed somewhat different (above, below). Squinting my eyes to take a closer look against the strongly back-lit subject, I realised that it was a species that I have not seen before. Based on its prominent yellow vent and likeness to the Yellow-vented Bulbul, could it be a crossbreed between a Yellow-vented Bulbul with some other species?

“Except for its head (below left), this odd-looking bird strongly resembled the Yellow-vented Bulbul (below right, juvenile). Similar to the bulbul, it has a dark crown, but less prominent. Unlike the bulbul, it lack the dark lores. Strikingly, it has a large bulging eyering that resembled those of the Lineated Barbet (Megalaima lineata) (bottom); but it was white instead of yellow. Its unique bill was separated almost in the middle by two colours – pink nearer the base and black nearer the tip.

“Being a leisure bird photographer, I have limited resources and was unable to match this odd-looking bird with any species. Could it be a crossbreed, an unknown species, or just a Yellow-vented Bulbul (perhaps juvenile) with some unknown condition? All opinions are welcomed and will be appreciated.”

Kwong Wai Chong
Singapore
5th June 2013

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

3 Responses

  1. I have heard of breeders using YVB x with Red Whiskered Bulbul to generate hybrid offspring with better singing stamina. But these hybrids also have a different song repertoire.

    Not impossible that the YVB has cross bred with another bulbul species within Bukit Batok area.

    The colour of the beak might be a clue to start with.

  2. A bulging eyeball is a common symptom in many avian diseases. Also, various infections cause changes in skin and beak colour. This bird does not look so much different from a common YVB for me to feel that it is a hybrid. It’s probably got some disease.

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