First Sight Record of Black Crested Bulbul (Rubigula flaviventris Tickell, 1833) in the Temperate Forest of Darjeeling Himalaya, India

The Black Crested Bulbul Rubigula flaviventris is a frugivorous species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is found in Southeast Asia, ranging from India to Vietnam and south China. The bird’s natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest. This paper reports the first photographic and sight evidence of Rubigula flaviventris in the upper region of the temperate forest of the Darjeeling Himalaya, India. This sighting, recorded at an elevation of 2500m in Tiger Hill Forest on 14th October, 2023, supported by photographic evidence, highlights the species’ adaptability to diverse habitats. Given its solitary occurrence at this elevation, further studies are recommended to assess its habitat preferences, population status and conservation needs. This report contributes to the growing understanding of avian biodiversity in the Darjeeling Himalaya and underscores the importance of continued ornithological monitoring of the region.