White-Eared Bulbul vs African Red-Eyed Bulbul

White-Eared Bulbul

Pycnonotus leucotis

Also known as: White-Cheeked Bulbul, Iraqi Bulbul

How to recognise a white-eared bulbul?

General appearance

The white-eared bulbul, identifiable by a white patch around its ear, has a predominantly dark grey body, with a light underbelly. The bird has a white-tipped tail, and a lighter colored tuft of feathers on its throat with a sharp, pointed beak, typical of bulbul species.

Male vs female

Males and females of the white-eared bulbul species are similar in appearance, exhibiting little sexual dimorphism. Both have similar coloration and physical traits; key differences are difficult to discern without closer observation or expert knowledge.

Juvenile

Juvenile bulbuls resemble adults but have a more subdued color scheme. The distinctive white patch around the ear is less prominent compared to adults and develops gradually as they mature.

Size

6.9 - 7.5 in/0.6 - 1.2 oz

Habitat

Sunny Scrublands of South Asia

The sun-drenched scrublands and semi-desert regions of South Asia are where the white-eared bulbul chirps joyfully. The dry climate peppers the landscape with delicate, thorny acacia shrubs, amongst which our feathered friend flutters dynamically.

Unexpected Urban Explorer

Bulbuls love fruits and flowers, so they surprisingly adapt well to urban parks and gardens. Here, amidst the drama of city hustle, they craft nests, turning metropolitan cities into their unexpected, lively jungle-groove hangouts.

Range Map

What do white-eared bulbuls like to eat?

Natural diet

The white-eared bulbul primarily feeds on fruits, such as berries and figs, and supplements its diet with nectar and flowers from various plants. It also consumes insects and small invertebrates, which provide essential proteins and nutrients, especially during breeding seasons. The bulbul’s diet varies depending on its habitat, and it adapts to the availability of food sources throughout the year.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, white-eared bulbuls commonly consume a variety of offerings including seeds, especially sunflower seeds. They are also attracted to fruits provided by bird enthusiasts, such as apple slices or banana chunks. Bulbuls may visit feeders stocked with suet or bread pieces, especially in urban areas where natural foods are less available. Their adaptable nature allows them to exploit human-provided food sources effectively.

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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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White-Eared Bulbul

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African Red-Eyed Bulbul

White-Eared Bulbul

Pycnonotus leucotis

Also known as: White-Cheeked Bulbul, Iraqi Bulbul

General appearance

The white-eared bulbul, identifiable by a white patch around its ear, has a predominantly dark grey body, with a light underbelly. The bird has a white-tipped tail, and a lighter colored tuft of feathers on its throat with a sharp, pointed beak, typical of bulbul species.

Male vs female

Males and females of the white-eared bulbul species are similar in appearance, exhibiting little sexual dimorphism. Both have similar coloration and physical traits; key differences are difficult to discern without closer observation or expert knowledge.

Juvenile

Juvenile bulbuls resemble adults but have a more subdued color scheme. The distinctive white patch around the ear is less prominent compared to adults and develops gradually as they mature.

Size

6.9 - 7.5 in/0.6 - 1.2 oz

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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

There's more to learn about African Red-Eyed Bulbul

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How to tell the White-Eared Bulbul from the African Red-Eyed Bulbul

Visual differences

The White-Eared Bulbul is about 7-7.5 inches long with a dark grey body and a distinctive white patch around its ear. It has a white-tipped tail and a pointed beak. In contrast, the African Red-Eyed Bulbul is slightly larger, measuring 7.5-8.5 inches, with a khaki-grey plumage and striking red eyes. It features a black crest above the eyes, and its wings and tail are darker, almost black. Both species show minimal sexual dimorphism, making males and females visually similar within each species.

Key differences and behavior

The White-Eared Bulbul and African Red-Eyed Bulbul exhibit distinct behavioral traits. White-Eared Bulbuls, 7-7.5 inches long, often form larger flocks of up to 30, particularly outside the breeding season, whereas African Red-Eyed Bulbuls, slightly longer at 7.5-8 inches, more commonly operate in pairs or small groups. Both species adapt well to urban settings but differ in typical habitats: White-Eared Bulbuls favor South Asian scrublands, whereas African Red-Eyed Bulbuls thrive in southern African savannas. Both feed on fruits and insects, yet African Red-Eyed Bulbuls show a stronger inclination for nectar foraging. Breeding displays are pronounced in both, though White-Eared Bulbuls often involve food sharing, while African Red-Eyed Bulbuls emphasize vocal and territorial displays. Both participate equally in nurturing their young, revealing strong parental roles.