Pycnonotus was found to be polyphyletic in recent molecular phylogenetic studies and five bulbuls, including the black-crested bulbul, were moved to Rubigula.

[2] Eight subspecies are accepted:[2] The black-crested bulbul is 18.5–19.5 cm in length.

[5] Both the male and female are similar in plumage; young birds are slightly duller.

It builds its nest in a bush; two to four eggs are a typical clutch.

The black-crested bulbul feeds on fruit and insects.