Bulbul vs Red-Whiskered Bulbul

Bulbul

Pycnonotus

Also known as: Nightingale

How to recognise a bulbul?

General appearance

Bulbuls are small to medium-sized songbirds, often distinguished by a unique crest atop their heads. The coloration of their plumage varies greatly among species, but the common colors seen are brown, grey, or white, often with distinctive markings on the chest and belly. They have short necks, long tails, and relatively short and slender bills.

Male vs female

There are no significant differences in coloration or size between males and females of the bulbul species. Both sexes usually have similar plumage. Any difference, when present, can be subtle and often needs careful observation for detection. Furthermore, the mating pairs of bulbuls are often seen foraging together, which can make it challenging to separate the genders visually.

Juvenile

Juvenile bulbuls typically have a more subdued coloration than adults and may lack the crest seen in mature birds. They are often seen in the company of adults and can be distinguished by their earnest, yet less polished, song attempts. As they mature, juveniles will gradually acquire the coloration and distinguishing characteristics of adult birds.

Size

5.9 - 11.4 in/0.6 - 3.3 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

Bulbuls typically inhabit warm regions, preferentially occupying tropical and subtropical zones. They mostly range in Africa, Asia, and Oceania.

Additional range

Unexpectedly, some species can adapt to colder climates and altered habitats such as urban landscapes.

Range Map

What do bulbuls like to eat?

Natural diet

Bulbuls are primarily frugivorous, feeding on a variety of fruits, berries, and figs. They also consume insects, such as beetles and caterpillars, especially when feeding their young. Some species of bulbuls are known to eat nectar and seeds, supplementing their diet depending on availability.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, bulbuls are attracted to offerings like fruit slices, especially apples, grapes, or bananas. They may also consume suet or sugar water, although their primary interest remains in sweet and fruit-based food. Providing chopped fruits and berries can effectively attract bulbuls to garden feeders.

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Red-Whiskered Bulbul

Pycnonotus jocosus

Also known as: Crested Bulbul

How to recognise a red-whiskered bulbul?

General appearance

The Red-whiskered bulbul is a distinctive bird approximately 20cm in size, about the size of a Robin. It exhibits broad, rounded wings, and its tail can be notched, rounded or square-tipped. Most noticeable are its black crest, and a pair of red and white 'whiskers' or patches on the cheeks. The bird primarily showcases a black, brown, grey and white color palette, with red undertail coverts.

Male vs female

Male and female Red-whiskered bulbuls are similar in appearance, with both sexes displaying the same coloration and patterns. Hence, visually, it might be challenging to distinguish between males and females.

Juvenile

Juvenile Red-whiskered bulbuls resemble the adults in size but have less prominent 'whiskers' and their coloration is generally more subdued. The red undertail coverts may not be as vibrant as in adults. Their crest is less developed, giving them a more rounded appearance.

Size

6.7 - 9.1 in/0.8 - 1.1 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The red-whiskered bulbul's primary habitat is suburbs with exotic fruiting trees in North America, found only in residential areas with various exotic trees and shrubs that offer berries and small fruits all year round.

Additional range

In its native range in southern Asia, the bulbul is found on forest edges, semi-open areas, and towns.

Range Map

What do red-whiskered bulbuls like to eat?

Natural diet

The red-whiskered bulbul primarily feeds on a variety of berries, small fruits, and insects. Due to its small bill, it tends to consume larger fruits only after they become overripe or if they’ve been punctured by other birds. In regions like Florida, its diet includes berries and fruits from Brazilian pepper, figs, lantana, jasmine, among others. Additionally, the bird takes nectar and consumes pieces of flowers and green shoots of vegetation, supplementing its diet with many insects.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, the red-whiskered bulbul might be attracted to offerings that reflect its natural diet. These can include soft fruits and berries, such as grapes and bananas, especially if they are overripe. Sugar water or nectar can also appeal to the bulbul, mimicking the nectar it would naturally consume from flowers.

What does a red-whiskered bulbul sound like?

The red-whiskered bulbul's vocalizations are diverse, marked by various chattering notes and a unique whistled "queekey" sound. These calls pattern in a falling, rising, and undulating manner, producing distinctive bird songs. The bird employs different calls including chirps or chips, and whistles, exhibiting an impressive range of sounds in its communication repertoire.

Call

Audio by Subhashish Panigrahi

/ CC BY-SA 4.0

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Bulbul

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Red-Whiskered Bulbul

Bulbul

Pycnonotus

Also known as: Nightingale

General appearance

Bulbuls are small to medium-sized songbirds, often distinguished by a unique crest atop their heads. The coloration of their plumage varies greatly among species, but the common colors seen are brown, grey, or white, often with distinctive markings on the chest and belly. They have short necks, long tails, and relatively short and slender bills.

Male vs female

There are no significant differences in coloration or size between males and females of the bulbul species. Both sexes usually have similar plumage. Any difference, when present, can be subtle and often needs careful observation for detection. Furthermore, the mating pairs of bulbuls are often seen foraging together, which can make it challenging to separate the genders visually.

Juvenile

Juvenile bulbuls typically have a more subdued coloration than adults and may lack the crest seen in mature birds. They are often seen in the company of adults and can be distinguished by their earnest, yet less polished, song attempts. As they mature, juveniles will gradually acquire the coloration and distinguishing characteristics of adult birds.

Size

5.9 - 11.4 in/0.6 - 3.3 oz

There's more to learn about Bulbul

View full details

Red-Whiskered Bulbul

Pycnonotus jocosus

Also known as: Crested Bulbul

General appearance

The Red-whiskered bulbul is a distinctive bird approximately 20cm in size, about the size of a Robin. It exhibits broad, rounded wings, and its tail can be notched, rounded or square-tipped. Most noticeable are its black crest, and a pair of red and white 'whiskers' or patches on the cheeks. The bird primarily showcases a black, brown, grey and white color palette, with red undertail coverts.

Male vs female

Male and female Red-whiskered bulbuls are similar in appearance, with both sexes displaying the same coloration and patterns. Hence, visually, it might be challenging to distinguish between males and females.

Juvenile

Juvenile Red-whiskered bulbuls resemble the adults in size but have less prominent 'whiskers' and their coloration is generally more subdued. The red undertail coverts may not be as vibrant as in adults. Their crest is less developed, giving them a more rounded appearance.

Size

6.7 - 9.1 in/0.8 - 1.1 oz

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How to tell the Bulbul from the Red-Whiskered Bulbul

Visual differences

The Bulbul generally exhibits varying plumage of brown, grey, or white with distinctive markings, while the Red-Whiskered Bulbul presents a more defined appearance with its black crest, red whisker patches, and red undertail coverts. In terms of size, the Bulbul ranges from 5.9 to 11.4 inches, whereas the Red-Whiskered Bulbul is about 7.9 inches long. The Bulbul has a short, slender bill compared to the Red-Whiskered Bulbul. Both birds have similar male and female appearances, and juveniles are less prominently colored.

Key differences and behavior

Bulbuls and Red-whiskered Bulbuls both exhibit similar social behaviors, being often seen in pairs or small groups. While Bulbuls are bold singers, often choosing high perches to vocalize, Red-whiskered Bulbuls are more often heard than seen, frequenting urban gardens but remaining somewhat elusive. Habitat-wise, Bulbuls are more versatile, adapting to tropical zones and colder urban areas globally, whereas Red-whiskered Bulbuls prefer exotic fruiting trees in suburban North America and forest edges in southern Asia. In terms of diet, both species primarily consume fruits and insects, but Red-whiskered Bulbuls favor softer, ripe fruit and additional nectar and flower parts. Nesting habits are similar, with both constructing cup-shaped nests; however, Red-whiskered Bulbuls use more varied materials for camouflaging. Both species show no sexual dimorphism in appearance, making behavioral observation key for field identification. Bulbul weights range from 0.6 to 3.3 ounces, while Red-whiskered Bulbuls are slightly lighter at around 0.8 to 1.1 ounces.