Dark-Capped Bulbul vs Himalayan Bulbul

Dark-Capped Bulbul

Pycnonotus tricolor

Also known as: Tricolored Bulbul

How to recognise a dark-capped bulbul?

General appearance

Dark-capped bulbuls have a blackish-brown upper body and light-grayish underparts. Their tails and wings are brown, while their heads bear a pronounced dark cap. They boast a distinctive red undertail, and sharp yellow eyes with an elegant black eye ring. They are generally medium-sized, averaging about 20cm in length.

Male vs female

Male and females Dark-capped bulbuls exhibit no noticeable sexual dimorphism in their physical appearance. Both sexes share the same distinct coloration and size. Thus, it's challenging to identify the sex visually in the wild.

Juvenile

Juvenile dark-capped bulbuls are similar to adults albeit a more modest and less contrasting coloration. Their caps are more brown than black, and their underparts are more whitish. Additionally, their eyes are brownish before maturing to the adult's distinctive yellow. Juveniles also lack the crimson-red undertail seen in adults.

Size

5.9 - 7.9 in/1.0 - 1.7 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The dark-capped bulbul primarily habitates in woodland edges, gardens and forests, located in southeastern Africa.

Additional range

It expands its range to arid regions, with a preference for moderate climates; however, it can occasionally be found in tropical rainforests.

Range Map

What do dark-capped bulbuls like to eat?

Natural diet

The dark-capped bulbul primarily feeds on fruits, seeds, and nectar. It is commonly found consuming berries from various shrubs and small trees. Additionally, it eats insects like beetles, ants, and caterpillars, which provide a source of protein. The dark-capped bulbul has also been known to feed on small invertebrates and occasionally, flower petals.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, the dark-capped bulbul often consumes fruits such as apples, bananas, and grapes that are left out by bird enthusiasts. It is also known to eat commercially available bird seed mixes, especially those containing sunflower seeds. Additionally, sugar water or nectar solutions provided in special feeders can attract these birds, mimicking their natural nectar sources.

What does a dark-capped bulbul sound like?

The dark-capped bulbul's vocalizations are characterized by a variety of melodious warbling sounds, trills, and whistles. Its typical call is a sharp "pit-pit," often followed by a tuneful "ceep-ceep". The song is rather pleasant and full, punctuated by calls and mimicry. It's commonly heard at daybreak, and often includes imitations of other bird species. Their calls are vital for declaring territory and expressing alarm signals.

Song

Audio by Dries Van de Loock

/ CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

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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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Dark-Capped Bulbul

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Himalayan Bulbul

Dark-Capped Bulbul

Pycnonotus tricolor

Also known as: Tricolored Bulbul

General appearance

Dark-capped bulbuls have a blackish-brown upper body and light-grayish underparts. Their tails and wings are brown, while their heads bear a pronounced dark cap. They boast a distinctive red undertail, and sharp yellow eyes with an elegant black eye ring. They are generally medium-sized, averaging about 20cm in length.

Male vs female

Male and females Dark-capped bulbuls exhibit no noticeable sexual dimorphism in their physical appearance. Both sexes share the same distinct coloration and size. Thus, it's challenging to identify the sex visually in the wild.

Juvenile

Juvenile dark-capped bulbuls are similar to adults albeit a more modest and less contrasting coloration. Their caps are more brown than black, and their underparts are more whitish. Additionally, their eyes are brownish before maturing to the adult's distinctive yellow. Juveniles also lack the crimson-red undertail seen in adults.

Size

5.9 - 7.9 in/1.0 - 1.7 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 Dark-Capped Bulbul from the Himalayan Bulbul

Visual differences

The Dark-Capped Bulbul has a pronounced dark cap on a blackish-brown head and light-grayish underparts, featuring a distinctive red undertail with sharp yellow eyes and black eye ring. In contrast, the Himalayan Bulbul sports a black crest, white cheek patches, and whitish underparts. Both birds are similar in size at about 7.5-8 inches long, but the Dark-Capped Bulbul lacks a crest and the Himalayan Bulbul lacks the red undertail and yellow eyes. The Himalayan's visual signature lies in its striking cheek contrast.

Key differences and behavior

The Dark-Capped Bulbul and Himalayan Bulbul display distinct behavioral differences that aid in differentiating them in the field. Dark-Capped Bulbuls favor habitats near water in southeastern Africa, showcasing acrobatics while foraging, often seen in woodland edges and gardens. Conversely, Himalayan Bulbuls reside in the Himalayas, within dense undergrowth of subtropical and temperate forests, thriving from 2,600-9,800 feet in elevation. Both species initiate complex courtship displays, but Himalayan bulbuls are noted for vocal duets, while Dark-Capped engage in flashy fluttering flights. Diet-wise, both enjoy fruits, seeds, and insects, yet Dark-Capped Bulbuls prefer nectar more and often visit sugar-water feeders. Breeding behaviors are similar; both build cup-shaped nests and share parental care, but Himalayan Bulbul fledglings remain dependent longer. The former species is more kin to gardens and arid regions, while the latter is adapted to mountainous, wetter climates.