Red-Vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer)
Red-vented bulbul is listed as a Hawai‘i State Injurious Species. 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; or export outside the state. For more information, see dlnr.hawaii.gov/wildlife/invasives/injurious-wildlife/
Red-vented bulbul was recently confirmed on Maui in Kā‘anapali in February 2025. In Maui County, report any red-vented bulbul sightings to 643-PEST or 643pest.org. Clear descriptions of the bird, time, and place observed, as well as photos and videos, are helpful when submitting reports.
Native to Asia, red-vented bulbul was introduced to Oahu in the 1950s, likely due to an illegal cage release. While widespread on Oahu, it has not established breeding populations on any other Hawaiian Island. However, vigilance is crucial statewide, as red-vented bulbul is known to nest in shipping containers and may be capable of flying between islands.
Description:
- About 8.5 inches long with a black body, pointed black crest, light gray abdomen and rump.
- Crimson under tail and slight white marking at the tip of tail.
- Appears similar to a black cardinal.
- Loud, frequent calls.
- Often seen perching on telephone wires, foraging for insects in the evening, and they are one of the few birds that tend to land on the sides of trees.
Red-vented bulbul are loud with a distinct call. Click on the play button above to listen to one. If you see or hear a red-vented bulbul on Maui, report it immediately to 643pest.org or call (808) 643-PEST.
Harm
- Major agricultural pest. Feeds on commercial fruit crops like banana, lychee, mango, and papaya. Can have destructive impacts on farms and orchards.
- Feeds on orchid buds. The Oahu orchid industry reports $300,000 in annual losses due to bulbul.
- Spreads the seeds of invasive plants like miconia and ivy gourd, threatening Maui’s watersheds.
- Aggressively chases other birds when competing for food and space. May compete with native birds where they co-exist.
On Maui
- No established breeding population on Maui.
- Sporadic sightings on Maui since introduction on O‘ahu in the 1950s. Most individuals removed.
- 2021: Confirmed sighting of red-vented bulbul near Spreckelsville. Other reports of sightings near Costco, Whole Foods, and Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center. Unknown if there were multiple birds or one individual traveling around the area. The bird (or birds) were never successfully captured.
- 2022: Unconfirmed reports of bulbul near Honolua and Kapalua.
- 2025: Confirmed sighting near Kā‘anapali.
More Information:
Red-vented bulbul information from Hawai’i Invasive Species Council
Red-vented bulbul data sheet from CABI
