White-Eared Bulbul vs Dark-Capped 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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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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White-Eared Bulbul

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Dark-Capped 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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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

There's more to learn about Dark-Capped Bulbul

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How to tell the White-Eared Bulbul from the Dark-Capped Bulbul

Visual differences

The White-Eared Bulbul is 6.9-7.5 inches long, with a predominately dark gray body, light underbelly, and a distinct white ear patch. It has a white-tipped tail and a sharp beak. The Dark-Capped Bulbul, slightly larger at 7.9 inches, features a blackish-brown upper body, light-gray underparts, a pronounced dark cap, and distinctive red undertail. It has brown wings and tail, with sharp yellow eyes encircled by an elegant black eye ring. Both species show little sexual dimorphism, making gender identification visually challenging.

Key differences and behavior

The White-Eared Bulbul, adaptable to urban environments in South Asia, often forms flocks and engages in trio breeding behaviors, while the Dark-Capped Bulbul, preferring woodland edges in southeastern Africa, is more solitary and frequently near water. Both species enjoy fruits and insects, but the White-Eared Bulbul is notably flexible, thriving in cities and exploiting human food sources, unlike the Dark-Capped, who occasionally drinks sugar water. White-Eared Bulbuls engage in courtship with food offerings, whereas Dark-Capped Bulbuls rely heavily on vocal displays. Nests for both species are cup-shaped in shrubs or trees, with both parents sharing incubation and feeding duties. The White-Eared Bulbul's breeding focus in semi-deserts contrasts with the more moisture-favoring habitats of the Dark-Capped Bulbul.