Mountain Bulbul or Red-Whiskered Bulbul?
Here's how to tell the difference
Mountain Bulbul
Red-Whiskered Bulbul
Mountain Bulbul
Ixos mcclellandii
Also known as: Green-Winged Bulbul, McClelland's Bulbul, McClelland's Rufous-Bellied Bulbul, Mountain Streaked Bulbul, Rufous-Bellied Bulbul
General appearance
Mountain bulbuls are medium-sized birds averaging 20 cm in length. They possess distinct black and olive feathers, with their underparts a light yellow and white chin. The bird has a sturdy, hefty beak that is black, and their feet are also black. They have a distinct characteristic square-ended tail with white tips.
Male vs female
There is little sexual dimorphism in the Mountain Bulbul species, which means males and females have similar appearances. Both sexes have the same coloration and size, making it difficult to differentiate between genders based on physical traits alone. Any distinction usually occurs in subtle behavioral differences.
Juvenile
Juvenile Mountain Bulbuls have the same basic coloration as adults, but their feathers may appear duller compared to adult bulbuls. The lighter underparts of juveniles can often be a streaked brown compared to the strong yellow in adults. Juveniles also possess a lesser-developed white tip at the end of the tail, which becomes more prominent as they mature.
Size
8.3 - 9.4 in/1.0 - 1.4 oz
There's more to learn about Mountain Bulbul
View full detailsRed-Whiskered Bulbul
Pycnonotus jocosus
Also known as: Crested Bulbul
General appearance
The Red-whiskered bulbul is a distinctive bird approximately 20cm in size, about the size of a Robin. It exhibits broad, rounded wings, and its tail can be notched, rounded or square-tipped. Most noticeable are its black crest, and a pair of red and white 'whiskers' or patches on the cheeks. The bird primarily showcases a black, brown, grey and white color palette, with red undertail coverts.
Male vs female
Male and female Red-whiskered bulbuls are similar in appearance, with both sexes displaying the same coloration and patterns. Hence, visually, it might be challenging to distinguish between males and females.
Juvenile
Juvenile Red-whiskered bulbuls resemble the adults in size but have less prominent 'whiskers' and their coloration is generally more subdued. The red undertail coverts may not be as vibrant as in adults. Their crest is less developed, giving them a more rounded appearance.
Size
6.7 - 9.1 in/0.8 - 1.1 oz
There's more to learn about Red-Whiskered Bulbul
View full detailsHow to tell the Mountain Bulbul from the Red-Whiskered Bulbul
Visual differences
The Mountain Bulbul (8.3-9.4 inches) is slightly larger than the Red-Whiskered Bulbul (6.7-9 inches). Mountain Bulbuls display black and olive plumage with light yellow underparts and a square-ended tail tipped with white. They have a sturdy black beak. In contrast, Red-Whiskered Bulbuls have a black crest, brown, grey, and white coloring, prominent red and white cheek patches, and red undertail coverts. Their beak is smaller and more delicate. Tail shape varies but may be notched, rounded, or square-tipped. Both species lack significant sexual dimorphism.
Key differences and behavior
The Mountain Bulbul and Red-Whiskered Bulbul exhibit distinct behavioral differences. Mountain Bulbuls, found in subtropical montane forests, are shy individually but become vocally active in flocks when foraging at elevations between 2,624 and 8,497 feet. Their diet includes fruits and insects, and they occasionally visit feeders for fruits and seeds. In contrast, Red-Whiskered Bulbuls thrive in suburban and urban areas, often in the presence of exotic fruiting trees. They are sociable, frequently heard rather than seen, and partake in a diet of berries, small fruits, and insects. Mountain Bulbuls perform lively courtship displays and build cup-shaped nests in dense foliage, while Red-Whiskered Bulbuls engage in subtle courtship behaviors, nesting low in shrubs with nests camouflaged using various materials. Both species share parental duties, but the Mountain Bulbul's courtship is notably more animated.
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