Red-vented Bulbul

Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer)

 

Regulatory Status: Hawaii Injurious Wildlife (HAR 124). It is prohibited to release Injurious Species into the wild; transport them to islands or locations within the State where they are not already established; and export into or out of the State.

Prevention and Control Category: None

redventedbulbul1Description

  • Bird with a black body, head and eyes, lighter gray underside, with patch of bright red feathers under tail

  • About 20 cm (8.5 in) long

  • Male & females look similar

  • The only black bird in Hawaii with a crest on its head like a cardinal’s crest

  • Native to Asia, from Pakistan to China, introduced to Hawaii as pets and illegally released into the wild in the mid 1950’s on Oahu.

Impacts

  • A major pest of agriculture and gardens. Feeds on fruits, vegetables, flower buds, and insects.

  • Cost $300,000 in damages to orchids per year on Oahu

  • Spreads the seeds of invasive plants, including miconia, ivy gourd and false kava.

  • Aggressively chases other birds and competes with them for food and space. There is concern that they may compete with native birds where they co-exist.

Distribution

  • Kauai: Not known to be present. All sightings should be reported to KISC or HDOA.

  • Oahu: Present in large numbers island-wide. Residents and agencies should prevent transport to neighbor islands.

  • Maui: Not known to be present. All sightings should be reported to MISC or DOFAW.

  • Big Island: Several sightings around the Mauna Lani area on the Kona side, sighting near Hilo. All sightings should be reported to BIISC or HDOA.

Additional Information