unusual new bulbul discovered in Laos limestone areas

[Andrew Taylor <>]

"An odd songbird with a bald head living in a rugged region in Laos has
been discovered by scientists from the Wildlife Conservation Society and
University of Melbourne, as part of a project funded and managed by the
mining company MMG (Minerals and Metals Group) that operates the Sepon
copper and gold project in the region.

Dubbed the "Bare-faced Bulbul" because of the lack of feathers
on its face and part of its head, it is the only example of a bald
songbird in mainland Asia according to scientists. It is the first new
species of bulbul - a family of about 130 species - described
in Asia in over 100 years."

More and photo at:
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/554704/

Iain Woxvold is an occasional birding-aus contributer.

Andrew