(Pityriasis gymnocephala)
The bristlehead is a medium-sized (25 centimetres (9.8 in) in length) black or dark grey bird,with red thighs and a red head,throat and neck,with grey ear-coverts and a featherless yellow crown.There is a white wing-patch,visible in flight,and females also have red spots on the flanks.It has a massive heavy black hooked bill and a short tail,giving it a chunky appearance.The crown is covered by short (3–4 mm) yellow or straw-coloured skin projections like bare feather shafts,hence the name 'bristlehead'.Juveniles have black thighs,red ear-coverts,a red eye-ring,just a few red feathers on the head and undeveloped 'bristles'.