Common Bulbul vs Himalayan Bulbul

Common Bulbul

Pycnonotus barbatus

Also known as: Black-Eyed Bulbul, Brown Bulbul, Brown-Capped Geelgat, Common Garden Bulbul, Garden Bulbul, White-Vented Bulbul

How to recognise a common bulbul?

General appearance

The common bulbul, or Pycnonotus barbatus, is a small passerine bird characterized by a compact body, short neck, and long tail. Its primary coloration is a drab brown on the wings and back, transitioning to a lighter shade on the underparts. The bird has a striking black head, complemented by a patch of yellow under its tail and a thin white eye ring.

Male vs female

Males and females of the common bulbul have very similar appearances, making them difficult to distinguish in the wild. Both have the same size and coloration, with no prominent sexual dimorphism. However, during breeding season, male bulbuls often display more aggressive and distinctive behaviors, such as competitive singing and aerial displays.

Juvenile

Juvenile common bulbuls are similar in appearance to the adults, but generally bear a softer, duller coloration. Their feather edges may also be slightly fluffier and less defined than in mature individuals. Over time, as they mature, their coloring gradually darkens to match that of adults.

Size

5.9 - 7.9 in/1.0 - 1.7 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

Common bulbuls are primarily found in open woodland, savanna, and shrubland spreading across Africa south of Sahara.

Additional range

While they prefer warm climates, they can also adapt to human-altered environments, such as cultivated lands and urban gardens.

Range Map

What do common bulbuls like to eat?

Natural diet

The common bulbul primarily feeds on a variety of fruits and berries. It consumes figs, olives, and other soft, fleshy fruits available in its habitat. It also eats insects, such as beetles and caterpillars, providing an important protein source. Nectar from flowers and small invertebrates are additional components of its diet, depending on availability.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, the common bulbul is attracted to foods like chopped fruits, including apples and pears. It may also consume seed mixes that have a higher fruit or nut content. Offering mealworms or suet can also attract these birds, as they supplement their protein intake at feeders.

What does a common bulbul sound like?

The Common Bulbul vocalizes a variety of whistles, squeaks, and chirps, featuring a distinctively hollow "puk" or "poo-ee" call. Medleys of clipped chirps and cheerily varied phrases make up its song; these tunes are frequently and melodically repeated. Additionally, the Common Bulbul also effectively mimics other bird species, often incorporating these imitations into its diverse soundscape.

Call

Audio by Bram Piot

/ CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Song

Audio by Bram Piot

/ CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

There's more to learn about Common Bulbul

View full details

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.

There's more to learn about Himalayan Bulbul

View full details

Common Bulbul

Tap To compare

Himalayan Bulbul

Common Bulbul

Pycnonotus barbatus

Also known as: Black-Eyed Bulbul, Brown Bulbul, Brown-Capped Geelgat, Common Garden Bulbul, Garden Bulbul, White-Vented Bulbul

General appearance

The common bulbul, or Pycnonotus barbatus, is a small passerine bird characterized by a compact body, short neck, and long tail. Its primary coloration is a drab brown on the wings and back, transitioning to a lighter shade on the underparts. The bird has a striking black head, complemented by a patch of yellow under its tail and a thin white eye ring.

Male vs female

Males and females of the common bulbul have very similar appearances, making them difficult to distinguish in the wild. Both have the same size and coloration, with no prominent sexual dimorphism. However, during breeding season, male bulbuls often display more aggressive and distinctive behaviors, such as competitive singing and aerial displays.

Juvenile

Juvenile common bulbuls are similar in appearance to the adults, but generally bear a softer, duller coloration. Their feather edges may also be slightly fluffier and less defined than in mature individuals. Over time, as they mature, their coloring gradually darkens to match that of adults.

Size

5.9 - 7.9 in/1.0 - 1.7 oz

There's more to learn about Common Bulbul

View full details

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

View full details

How to tell the Common Bulbul from the Himalayan Bulbul

Visual differences

The Common Bulbul (6-8 in) is slightly smaller than the Himalayan Bulbul (7.5-8 in). Common Bulbuls have a drab brown body, black head, and bright yellow under-tail with a white eye ring. Himalayan Bulbuls feature a dove grey back, whitish underparts, and a distinct black crest with white cheek patches. Both species lack significant sexual dimorphism. Common Bulbuls have a more monotone appearance compared to the contrasting crest and cheek patterns of the Himalayan Bulbul, which is an appealing aid for differentiation.

Key differences and behavior

The Common Bulbul (Pycnonotus barbatus) and Himalayan Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucogenys) exhibit distinct behaviors. Common Bulbuls are highly vocal and often sing from exposed perches, while Himalayan Bulbuls favor early morning vocalizations resembling sped-up Oriole calls. The Common Bulbul adapts well to varied habitats, including urban settings, across African woodlands, whereas the Himalayan Bulbul prefers higher altitudes (2,600-9,800 ft) in Himalayan forests. Both species build cup-shaped nests and lay 2-3 eggs, but Common Bulbuls experience brood parasitism by cuckoos. Diets overlap on fruits, yet the Common Bulbul frequents gardens for fruit-based bird feeders, while Himalayan Bulbuls seek seeds and suet. Both display minimal sexual dimorphism, yet they engage in distinct courtship through song and display.

Still not sure? Here are more lookalikes!

Common Bulbul vs African Red-Eyed Bulbul

Himalayan Bulbul vs Red-Vented Bulbul

Common Bulbul or Himalayan Bulbul?

Common Bulbul

How to recognise a common bulbul?

Habitat

What do common bulbuls like to eat?

What does a common bulbul sound like?

Call

Song

There's more to learn about Common Bulbul

Himalayan Bulbul

How to recognise a Himalayan bulbul?

Habitat

What do Himalayan bulbuls like to eat?

There's more to learn about Himalayan Bulbul

Common Bulbul

There's more to learn about Common Bulbul

Himalayan Bulbul

There's more to learn about Himalayan Bulbul

How to tell the Common Bulbul from the Himalayan Bulbul

Visual differences

Key differences and behavior

Still not sure? Here are more lookalikes!

Common Bulbul vs African Red-Eyed Bulbul

Common Bulbul

African Red-Eyed Bulbul

Common Bulbul vs Cape Bulbul

Common Bulbul

Cape Bulbul

Common Bulbul vs Dark-Capped Bulbul

Common Bulbul

Dark-Capped Bulbul

Common Bulbul vs Light-Vented Bulbul

Common Bulbul

Light-Vented Bulbul

Common Bulbul vs Mountain Bulbul

Common Bulbul

Mountain Bulbul

Common Bulbul vs Red-Vented Bulbul

Common Bulbul

Red-Vented Bulbul

Common Bulbul vs Red-Whiskered Bulbul

Common Bulbul

Red-Whiskered Bulbul

Common Bulbul vs Sooty-Headed Bulbul

Common Bulbul

Sooty-Headed Bulbul

Common Bulbul vs White-Eared Bulbul

Common Bulbul

White-Eared Bulbul

Common Bulbul vs White-Spectacled Bulbul

Common Bulbul

White-Spectacled Bulbul

Himalayan Bulbul vs Red-Vented Bulbul

Himalayan Bulbul

Red-Vented Bulbul

Himalayan Bulbul vs Red-Whiskered Bulbul

Himalayan Bulbul

Red-Whiskered Bulbul

Himalayan Bulbul vs White-Eared Bulbul

Himalayan Bulbul

White-Eared Bulbul

Common Bulbul vs [Select a bird]

Common Bulbul

[Select a bird]

Himalayan Bulbul vs [Select a bird]

Himalayan Bulbul

[Select a bird]