Bulbul vs White-Eared 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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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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Bulbul

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White-Eared 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

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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

There's more to learn about White-Eared Bulbul

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How to tell the Bulbul from the White-Eared Bulbul

Visual differences

The Bulbul can weigh between 0.56 and 3.3 oz and range from 6 to 11.4 inches in length, showcasing a variety of plumage colors like brown, grey, and white, with distinctive chest and belly markings. They feature a unique crest on their heads with long tails and short bills. In contrast, the White-Eared Bulbul, weighing 0.63 to 1.23 oz and measuring 6.9 to 7.5 inches, sports a dark grey body with a lighter underbelly, a prominent white ear patch, and a white-tipped tail. Both genders in each species look similar, making sex identification challenging.

Key differences and behavior

Bulbuls (Pycnonotus) are often found in pairs or small groups, with males singing prominently from high perches, while White-Eared Bulbuls (Pycnonotus leucotis) gather in larger flocks outside breeding season, often seen in trios during breeding. Both exhibit similar male and female appearances, though White-Eared Bulbuls are more social in urban environments. Both species inhabit varied climates, with Bulbuls adapting to colder regions, and White-Eared Bulbuls favoring semi-deserts and urban parks. Diets are similar, with a preference for fruits and insects, but White-Eared Bulbuls adapt to seeds and human-provided foods more readily. Nesting habits are alike, with cup-shaped nests and cooperative parental care, although White-Eared Bulbuls often nest near human activity.