Himalayan Bulbul vs White-Eared 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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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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Himalayan Bulbul

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White-Eared 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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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 Himalayan Bulbul from the White-Eared Bulbul

Visual differences

The Himalayan Bulbul measures approximately 7.5 to 7.9 inches with a black crest, white cheek patches, and a white underside of the tail. Its plumage is dove grey above and whitish below. In contrast, the White-Eared Bulbul is slightly smaller at 6.9 to 7.5 inches, sporting a dark grey body with a light underbelly, and a distinct white ear patch and throat tuft. The Himalayan has a medium build, while the White-Eared appears more plump and has a sharp, pointed beak.

Key differences and behavior

The Himalayan Bulbul and White-Eared Bulbul exhibit notable behavioral differences. Himalayan Bulbuls, active and agile, are famous for their complex courtship displays and melodious early morning whistling songs. They thrive in subtropical forests across the Himalayas, feeding on a varied diet of insects, fruits, and berries. Conversely, White-Eared Bulbuls are more social, often forming trios during breeding and larger flocks outside it. These birds flourish in sun-drenched scrublands and urban settings, adapting well to semi-desert climates. They have a fruit-centered diet, supplemented by insects and nectar. In urban areas, both species frequent bird feeders but display distinct preferences: Himalayans prefer seeds and suet, while White-Eareds favor fruits and bread. Both species perform fluttering courtship flights and share nest-building responsibilities, yet have unique adaptations to their respective habitats. Himalayan Bulbuls weigh around 1.2-1.3 oz (19-20 cm long), while White-Eared Bulbuls weigh 0.6-1.2 oz (17.5-19 cm long).