Himalayan Bulbul vs Red-Vented Bulbul

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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Red-Vented Bulbul

Pycnonotus cafer

How to recognise a red-vented bulbul?

General appearance

The Red-vented Bulbul is a member of the bulbul family of passerines. It is easily identified by its short crest on the head and a characteristic red colour patch on the vent. They are generally around 20cm in length. Their body is primarily black with dark brown mixed in. The head, throat, and crests are black, while the middle of the belly is white.

Male vs female

Males and females appear largely similar with little sexual dimorphism. Both genders flaunt the white belly and red vent patches. Females are slightly smaller and duller than males. It is challenging to distinguish them based on appearance alone.

Juvenile

Juvenile Red-vented bulbuls resemble adults but have less distinctly colored vent patches. Their upper parts are brownish while the belly and under tail coverts are often tinged rust-brown. The head, crest, and throat are not as starkly black, but instead exhibit a mix of browns. Juveniles attain the mature plumage in about one year.

Size

7.9 - 9.1 in/1.1 - 2.1 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The red-vented bulbul primarily resides in South Asia and Southeast Asia. It prefers warm, tropical climates, living in light forests, scrublands, and cultivated regions.

Additional range

Surprisingly, this bird has also been spotted in places outside its normal range such as Hawaii, Florida, and New Zealand, where it adapts to urban gardens and parks.

Range Map

What do red-vented bulbuls like to eat?

Natural diet

The red-vented bulbul's natural diet mainly consists of fruits, nectar, and insects. They forage in bushes and trees to consume a wide variety of berries such as figs and lantana. Nectar from flowers like hibiscus is also a significant part of their diet. Insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and ants are consumed, providing essential protein. This diverse diet helps the red-vented bulbul adapt to various environments, ensuring their survival in urban and rural landscapes.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, red-vented bulbuls are attracted to fruits and seeds. They often consume cut-up bananas, papayas, and apples, as well as commercially available birdseed mixes that include millet and sunflower seeds. Offering sugar water can mimic the nectar they generally obtain from flowers, attracting these birds. While their presence at bird feeders can vary based on availability of natural food sources, they readily adapt to these supplemental feeding options, especially in urban areas.

What does a red-vented bulbul sound like?

The red-vented bulbul is known for its melodic, rich, and bubbly whistle-like vocalizations. Its songs are sweet and expressive, often featuring a variety of notes and trills. The typical call occurs in sequences; a three-part "chuck-churrrr-ip" sound, while its alarm or distress calls are harsh, screechy, and abrupt. It also mimics calls of other bird species. Males use songs primarily to attract females and deter rivals, especially during breeding season.

Call

Audio by Gypsypkd

Song

Audio by Sudipto Roy

/ CC BY-SA 3.0

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Himalayan Bulbul

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Red-Vented Bulbul

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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Red-Vented Bulbul

Pycnonotus cafer

General appearance

The Red-vented Bulbul is a member of the bulbul family of passerines. It is easily identified by its short crest on the head and a characteristic red colour patch on the vent. They are generally around 20cm in length. Their body is primarily black with dark brown mixed in. The head, throat, and crests are black, while the middle of the belly is white.

Male vs female

Males and females appear largely similar with little sexual dimorphism. Both genders flaunt the white belly and red vent patches. Females are slightly smaller and duller than males. It is challenging to distinguish them based on appearance alone.

Juvenile

Juvenile Red-vented bulbuls resemble adults but have less distinctly colored vent patches. Their upper parts are brownish while the belly and under tail coverts are often tinged rust-brown. The head, crest, and throat are not as starkly black, but instead exhibit a mix of browns. Juveniles attain the mature plumage in about one year.

Size

7.9 - 9.1 in/1.1 - 2.1 oz

There's more to learn about Red-Vented Bulbul

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How to tell the Himalayan Bulbul from the Red-Vented Bulbul

Visual differences

The **Himalayan Bulbul** is about 7.5-8 inches long, dove-grey above with white underparts, a black crest, and distinct white cheek and tail patches. The **Red-Vented Bulbul** is slightly larger at 8-9 inches with a primarily black body mixed with dark brown, a shorter black crest, and a characteristic red patch under the tail (vent). The Himalayan has a more pronounced black crest and lacks the red vent patch that defines the Red-Vented Bulbul. Both lack significant sexual dimorphism, but their juvenile plumage differs in clarity and vibrancy.

Key differences and behavior

The Himalayan Bulbul is an adept flyer and singer, active primarily in early mornings, often performing vocal duets during complex courtship displays. In contrast, the Red-Vented Bulbul engages in lively vocal and aerial displays, with males presenting food to females. Both species are versatile in habitat adaptation, with the Himalayan Bulbul preferring temperate forests at high altitudes, while the Red-Vented Bulbul thrives in tropical climates and has become invasive in various regions, including Hawaii and New Zealand. Diet-wise, both birds consume fruits, nectar, and insects. However, the Red-Vented Bulbul is especially known for its adaptability to urban environments and resilience against repellents. Nesting for both involves cup-shaped nests in dense foliage, but the Red-Vented Bulbul favors low trees and shrubs. Both species exhibit shared parental duties in chick rearing. While similar in size (7.5–9 inches), the Red-Vented Bulbul is slightly heavier.