Red-vented Bulbul

This Red-vented Bulbul was very aggressive toward other birds as they competed for birdseed on the grounds of the Bed & Breakfast we stayed at in Oahu, Hawaii; 6/25/08.

We saw several Red-vented Bulbuls (Above) while on Oahu. It is a Blue Jay sized bird with dark brown body, black head with a crest, a white rump and red vent (under the tail behind the legs). They are considered an invasive pest on the island of Oahu. Apparently they haven't found their way onto Maui or Kauai, but there have been limited sightings on the Big Island. They are considered a pest because they are not native to the Hawaiian Islands, and cause considerable damage to Hawaii's fruit orchards and orchid Farms. They not only eat and destroy fruits and vegetables, but also eat the petals and bulbs off of very rare and expensive orchids. They were introduced from India, and are relatively common throughout Asia from China to Pakistan. Bulbuls also are very aggressive to other birds, chasing them away and taking over their habitats.