Light-Vented Bulbul vs White-Eared Bulbul

Light-Vented Bulbul

Pycnonotus sinensis

Also known as: Chinese Bulbul

How to recognise a light-vented bulbul?

General appearance

The light-vented bulbul is a medium-sized bird, ranging from 18 to 22 cm long. The species is characterized by a brownish color on their upper body parts while their belly is white. Notable is its black-colored head with a distinct tuft which resembles a crest on its crown and white rings around the eyes.

Male vs female

In terms of sex differentiation, it's challenging as both sexes almost look alike. However, upon closer examination, males may appear slightly larger and have a more pronounced crest compared to females. No seasonal variations in their appearance have been noted; they maintain their coloration all year round.

Juvenile

Juveniles are quite similar in appearance to the adults but are generally duller, with a less defined crest and a murkier shade of brown. Their belly is greyer than the stark white in adults, and the white eye ring is less prominent. Over time, they mature into their distinct adult coloration.

Size

7.1 - 7.5 in/1.1 - 1.6 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The light-vented bulbul primarily inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and shrublands in East Asia, including China, Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines.

Additional range

This bird can also be found in urban areas, orchards, and agricultural lands, indicating its adaptability to diverse environments.

Range Map

What do light-vented bulbuls like to eat?

Natural diet

The light-vented bulbul primarily feeds on fruits, insects, and seeds. It consumes berries, figs, and small invertebrates, playing a role in seed dispersal. Its adaptable diet also includes nectar from flowers and occasionally small reptiles or amphibians.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, the light-vented bulbul enjoys a variety of offerings. It is commonly attracted to fruits like apples and bananas, as well as seed mixes containing sunflower seeds. Occasionally, it partakes in suet or mealworms if available.

What does a light-vented bulbul sound like?

The light-vented bulbul is known for its rich, melodious songs and a variety of calls. It has a broad vocal repertoire, and common sounds include high pitched whistles, and choppy, twittering noises. Its song often consists of repeated phrases, and is usually sung from a high perch. The bird’s alarm calls are sharp and loud to ward off potential threats. Communication also includes softer chirps and whistles.

Call

Audio by Peter Boesman

/ CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

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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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Light-Vented Bulbul

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White-Eared Bulbul

Light-Vented Bulbul

Pycnonotus sinensis

Also known as: Chinese Bulbul

General appearance

The light-vented bulbul is a medium-sized bird, ranging from 18 to 22 cm long. The species is characterized by a brownish color on their upper body parts while their belly is white. Notable is its black-colored head with a distinct tuft which resembles a crest on its crown and white rings around the eyes.

Male vs female

In terms of sex differentiation, it's challenging as both sexes almost look alike. However, upon closer examination, males may appear slightly larger and have a more pronounced crest compared to females. No seasonal variations in their appearance have been noted; they maintain their coloration all year round.

Juvenile

Juveniles are quite similar in appearance to the adults but are generally duller, with a less defined crest and a murkier shade of brown. Their belly is greyer than the stark white in adults, and the white eye ring is less prominent. Over time, they mature into their distinct adult coloration.

Size

7.1 - 7.5 in/1.1 - 1.6 oz

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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

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How to tell the Light-Vented Bulbul from the White-Eared Bulbul

Visual differences

The Light-Vented Bulbul is slightly larger (7-8.7 inches, 1.1-1.6 oz) than the White-Eared Bulbul (6.9-7.5 inches, 0.6-1.2 oz). Light-Vented Bulbul features a brown upper body, white belly, black head with a crest, and white eye-ring. In contrast, White-Eared Bulbul has a dark grey body, light underbelly, white-tipped tail, and distinctive white ear patch. Its beak is sharper. Juveniles of both are duller, with less prominent markings. Both maintain similar male and female appearances.

Key differences and behavior

The Light-Vented Bulbul and White-Eared Bulbul exhibit distinct behavior differences. Light-Vented Bulbuls (7-8.7 in) are notably sociable and fearless, often nesting in urban areas, even on verandas, while White-Eared Bulbuls (6.9-7.5 in) are frequently found in sun-drenched scrublands, adapting to urban parks. Light-Vented Bulbuls are born songsters, engaging in vocal displays during courtship, whereas White-Eared Bulbuls perform singing and fluttering flights, and offer food gifts. Light-Vented Bulbuls' diet includes fruits, insects, and occasionally small reptiles, while White-Eared Bulbuls focus more on fruits, nectar, and small invertebrates. Both species build cup-shaped nests in shrubs or trees, with Light-Vented Bulbuls often found in subtropical lowland forests, and White-Eared Bulbuls in semi-desert regions. Notably, White-Eared Bulbuls exhibit trio formations during breeding, unlike Light-Vented Bulbuls.