African Red-Eyed Bulbul vs Himalayan Bulbul

African Red-Eyed Bulbul

Pycnonotus nigricans

Also known as: Black-Fronted Bulbul

How to recognise an African red-eyed bulbul?

General appearance

The African red-eyed bulbul is characterized by its medium size, nearly 20-25 cm in length, and its distinctive khaki-grey plumage. Easily noticeable are its crimson-red eyes, which aptly offers its name. It also has a distinct thin black crest above its eyes, giving it a capped appearance. Its tail and wings are darker, almost black. This species does not have significant seasonal variations.

Male vs female

Both male and female African red-eyed bulbuls share similar external features, making sexual dimorphism in this species less distinct. The males tend to be slightly larger in size compared to females. However, their coloration, red eye, and capped appearance are consistent across both genders. This feature makes it a bit challenging to distinguish between the sexes in the wild.

Juvenile

Juvenile African red-eyed bulbuls lack the vibrant coloration seen in adults. They have duller grey-brown plumage and their eyes are not yet the characteristic red, instead they have brownish eyes. Their crest is less pronounced, and it takes a few months until they acquire the distinctive adult features.

Size

7.5 - 8.3 in/0.8 - 1.3 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The African red-eyed bulbul prefers savannas, riverine woodlands, and arid scrublands in southern Africa, including Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and northern South Africa. It thrives in areas with dry, warm climates.

Additional range

This species can also adapt to urban environments and gardens, showing surprising resilience in modified landscapes, provided there are ample food sources and some vegetation for shelter.

Range Map

What do African red-eyed bulbuls like to eat?

Natural diet

The African red-eyed bulbul primarily feeds on fruits, which form a significant part of its diet. It enjoys a variety of berries and small fruits from native shrubs and trees. In addition to fruits, this species consumes seeds and small insects. The bulbul can often be seen foraging in flowering plants, consuming nectar and aiding in pollination.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, the African red-eyed bulbul is commonly attracted to offerings of sliced fruits such as apples, bananas, and oranges. It may also eat raisins and other dried fruits provided by bird enthusiasts. The bulbul will occasionally try suet and other protein-rich foods intended for insect-eating birds but shows a preference for sweet and fruity items.

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Himalayan Bulbul

Pycnonotus leucogenys

Also known as: White-Cheeked Bulbul

How to recognise a Himalayan bulbul?

General appearance

The Himalayan bulbul, or white-cheeked bulbul, is a species of songbird with a distinctive crest on the head. They exhibit a dove grey above with whitish underparts, a black crest, and white patches on the cheek and underside of the tail. They have a medium size, averaging around 20 cm long, and are known for their melodious song.

Male vs female

For the Himalayan bulbul, sexual dimorphism is not significantly pronounced, and both males and females have similar physical appearances. Both genders exhibit the same colorations and physical traits, making it difficult to distinguish between them based on appearance.

Juvenile

Juveniles exhibit similar body shape to adults, though their coloration may be duller. The signature crest is shorter and their cheek patches are not as starkly white. As they grow, they gradually attain the more distinctive adult coloration.

Size

7.5 - 7.9 in/1.2 - 1.3 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The Himalayan bulbul primarily inhabits subtropical and temperate forests, favoring areas with dense undergrowth and proximity to water sources in the Himalayas.

Additional range

It ranges from Afghanistan to western China, preferring altitudes between 800-3000 m. Occasionally, it adapts to urban gardens and orchards in lower altitudes.

Range Map

What do Himalayan bulbuls like to eat?

Natural diet

The Himalayan bulbul predominantly feeds on a varied diet that includes insects, fruits, and berries. Their insectivorous tendencies involve consuming caterpillars, beetles, ants, and other small invertebrates. The bulbul also has a preference for fruits such as figs and berries, offering them vital nutrients and energy for their active lifestyle. Occasionally, they might forage for flower nectar, especially when fruits or insects are scarce, showcasing their adaptability in diet.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, the Himalayan bulbul is frequently attracted to seeds, particularly sunflower seeds, and suet, providing them with essential fats and proteins. Additionally, they may consume any offered fruit, such as apples or berries, available at feeders. While less common, they might accept mealworms as a substitute for their natural insect diet. These feeder offerings typically supplement their primary diet from natural sources.

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African Red-Eyed Bulbul

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Himalayan Bulbul

African Red-Eyed Bulbul

Pycnonotus nigricans

Also known as: Black-Fronted Bulbul

General appearance

The African red-eyed bulbul is characterized by its medium size, nearly 20-25 cm in length, and its distinctive khaki-grey plumage. Easily noticeable are its crimson-red eyes, which aptly offers its name. It also has a distinct thin black crest above its eyes, giving it a capped appearance. Its tail and wings are darker, almost black. This species does not have significant seasonal variations.

Male vs female

Both male and female African red-eyed bulbuls share similar external features, making sexual dimorphism in this species less distinct. The males tend to be slightly larger in size compared to females. However, their coloration, red eye, and capped appearance are consistent across both genders. This feature makes it a bit challenging to distinguish between the sexes in the wild.

Juvenile

Juvenile African red-eyed bulbuls lack the vibrant coloration seen in adults. They have duller grey-brown plumage and their eyes are not yet the characteristic red, instead they have brownish eyes. Their crest is less pronounced, and it takes a few months until they acquire the distinctive adult features.

Size

7.5 - 8.3 in/0.8 - 1.3 oz

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Himalayan Bulbul

Pycnonotus leucogenys

Also known as: White-Cheeked Bulbul

General appearance

The Himalayan bulbul, or white-cheeked bulbul, is a species of songbird with a distinctive crest on the head. They exhibit a dove grey above with whitish underparts, a black crest, and white patches on the cheek and underside of the tail. They have a medium size, averaging around 20 cm long, and are known for their melodious song.

Male vs female

For the Himalayan bulbul, sexual dimorphism is not significantly pronounced, and both males and females have similar physical appearances. Both genders exhibit the same colorations and physical traits, making it difficult to distinguish between them based on appearance.

Juvenile

Juveniles exhibit similar body shape to adults, though their coloration may be duller. The signature crest is shorter and their cheek patches are not as starkly white. As they grow, they gradually attain the more distinctive adult coloration.

Size

7.5 - 7.9 in/1.2 - 1.3 oz

There's more to learn about Himalayan Bulbul

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How to tell the African Red-Eyed Bulbul from the Himalayan Bulbul

Visual differences

The African Red-Eyed Bulbul is 7.5-8 inches long, with crimson-red eyes and a thin black crest. It features khaki-grey plumage, darker wings, and tail. The Himalayan Bulbul, around 8 inches long, has dove grey above with whitish underparts, a black crest, and white cheek patches. Both species share similar facial features, but notably, the Himalayan Bulbul lacks the distinctive red eyes of the African Red-Eyed Bulbul. Both bulbuls have a crest, but the African's is thinner.

Key differences and behavior

The African Red-Eyed Bulbul and Himalayan Bulbul exhibit distinct behavioral and habitat preferences. While both form part of a superspecies, African bulbuls often reside in arid savannas and urban gardens in southern Africa, contrasting with the Himalayan bulbul's preference for subtropical forests in the Himalayas at altitudes between 2,600-9,800 feet. Diet-wise, African bulbuls favor fruits, notably from bird feeders, whereas Himalayan bulbuls have a diverse diet including insects and forest fruits. Both engage in elaborate courtship displays, but the Himalayan bulbul is noted for duets and acrobatic flights. Nesting is similar; both make camouflaged nests in foliage, but Himalayan bulbuls might use denser undergrowth for protection. In essence, African bulbuls adapt to drier regions and urban settings, while Himalayan bulbuls excel in higher, forested locales, displaying more varied dietary habits.