White-Spectacled Bulbul vs Himalayan Bulbul

White-Spectacled Bulbul

Pycnonotus xanthopygos

How to recognise a white-spectacled bulbul?

General appearance

The white-spectacled bulbul, also known as the yellow-vented bulbul, has a sleek body, average length of 20 centimeters and a wingspan between 20-25 centimeters. It has a black crest, a white spectacled ring around its eyes, and a black stripe across its white cheeks. Its body is mainly greyish-brown with a yellow vent under the tail, thus deriving its other common name. Seasonal changes do not significantly affect its appearance.

Male vs female

Both the males and females of this species exhibit similar physical traits and colorations, making it challenging to distinguish between them based purely on visual characteristics. Their differences mainly exist in their vocalizations, with males having a wider variety of calls for attracting mates.

Juvenile

Juvenile white-spectacled bulbuls lack the pronounced specs and crest of the adults, and have a duller, more uniform brown coloration. The spectalces and crest develop progressively with growth. Therefore, if you spot a bulbul without distinct spectacles, it's likely a juvenile.

Size

7.9 - 9.8 in/1.1 - 1.6 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The white-spectacled bulbul primarily lives in savannas, gardens, and farmlands of the Middle East and North Africa.

Additional range

In addition to these common habitats, it also occasionally occupies semi-arid areas and coastal scrubs, indicative of its adaptation to diverse climatic conditions.

Range Map

What do white-spectacled bulbuls like to eat?

Natural diet

The white-spectacled bulbul primarily feeds on a variety of fruits, including berries and figs. It also consumes nectar, which it obtains from flowering plants. Apart from fruits, its diet includes insects and small invertebrates, providing essential proteins.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, the white-spectacled bulbul often eats a range of seeds and fruits provided by enthusiasts. Common offerings include chopped apples, grapes, and pears. Occasionally, it may also consume suet or seed-based mixes, especially those containing sunflower seeds.

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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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White-Spectacled Bulbul

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Himalayan Bulbul

White-Spectacled Bulbul

Pycnonotus xanthopygos

General appearance

The white-spectacled bulbul, also known as the yellow-vented bulbul, has a sleek body, average length of 20 centimeters and a wingspan between 20-25 centimeters. It has a black crest, a white spectacled ring around its eyes, and a black stripe across its white cheeks. Its body is mainly greyish-brown with a yellow vent under the tail, thus deriving its other common name. Seasonal changes do not significantly affect its appearance.

Male vs female

Both the males and females of this species exhibit similar physical traits and colorations, making it challenging to distinguish between them based purely on visual characteristics. Their differences mainly exist in their vocalizations, with males having a wider variety of calls for attracting mates.

Juvenile

Juvenile white-spectacled bulbuls lack the pronounced specs and crest of the adults, and have a duller, more uniform brown coloration. The spectalces and crest develop progressively with growth. Therefore, if you spot a bulbul without distinct spectacles, it's likely a juvenile.

Size

7.9 - 9.8 in/1.1 - 1.6 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

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How to tell the White-Spectacled Bulbul from the Himalayan Bulbul

Visual differences

The White-Spectacled Bulbul (7.9-9.8 inches) and the Himalayan Bulbul (7.5 inches) are similar in size, but differ visually. The White-Spectacled has a grayish-brown body, black crest, and distinctive white eye spectacles with a yellow vent. The Himalayan Bulbul sports a dove-gray back, white underparts, and white cheeks with a black crest and white underside of the tail. These distinct color patterns, particularly around the face and tail areas, aid in their visual differentiation. Both have similar beak shapes, and sexes are visually alike within each species.

Key differences and behavior

The White-Spectacled Bulbul (Pycnonotus xanthopygos) and the Himalayan Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucogenys) share similarities in size and nesting habits but differ in behavior and habitat preferences. While White-Spectacled Bulbuls are inquisitive, noisy, and mainly found in Middle Eastern savannas and gardens, forming sibling pairs, Himalayan Bulbuls are acrobatic flyers inhabiting subtropical forests from Afghanistan to China. Both species engage in elaborate courtship, yet Himalayan bulbuls excel in vocal duets. Diet-wise, White-Spectacled Bulbuls favor fruits and nectar, while Himalayan Bulbuls consume a varied diet of insects and fruits. Both adapt to bird feeders but differ slightly in preferences. These distinctions assist in identifying them beyond visual cues in the field.