The family Pycnonotidae includes 1 species found in North America.

Bulbuls occur in the Old World tropics. A few species are found in temperate areas of southeast Asia and Japan. Sexes are alike. Bristles extend from the nape. Biulbuls are arboreal or are found in scrub and thickets. Food consists of fruits, seeds, insects, nectar, pollen. The nest is an open cup of leaves and plant fibers in a tree. Eggs whitish or pinkish with reddish-brown markings. The female builds nest the nest and incubates.

The Red-whiskered Bulbul has been introduced in Miami, Florida.