The red-vented bulbul is the most common variety of bulbul. It is dark brown in colour. The feathers are such that the dark brown colour ends in paler shade at the edges. This gives a scale-like appearance to the breast and back. The back of its body is white in colour and is normally concealed under the wings and is noticeable while flying. The region under the tail, called the vent, is red which gives it its name.
These birds are mostly found in gardens and light scrub jungles. Their major diet is berries. But they also eat moths and caterpillars. When the winged termites come out from their underground holes after the first rain, the red-vented bulbuls will be the first to reach the spot. Either they will catch the insects as they exit the ground or they will spring up with them and catch them in air.
These are very noisy birds. These birds build their nests at a height of around 3 m. They are found in pairs or as small groups. These birds are native to India and Sri Lanka.