The family Pycnonotidae, commonly known as bulbuls, is a diverse group of medium-sized passerine birds found mainly across Africa and tropical Asia. Bulbuls are generally characterized by their slender bodies, short necks, and soft plumage, often with distinctive crests or brightly colored patches on the head or throat. They are mostly arboreal and frugivorous, feeding on fruits, nectar, and insects, and play an important role in seed dispersal. Bulbuls are also known for their loud, melodious calls, which they use for communication and territorial defense. The family includes over 150 species across several genera, and many species are adaptable to human-altered habitats, though some face threats from habitat loss and the pet trade.