White-Eared Bulbul vs Red-Whiskered Bulbul

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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Red-Whiskered Bulbul

Pycnonotus jocosus

Also known as: Crested Bulbul

How to recognise a red-whiskered 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

Habitat

Primary habitat

The red-whiskered bulbul's primary habitat is suburbs with exotic fruiting trees in North America, found only in residential areas with various exotic trees and shrubs that offer berries and small fruits all year round.

Additional range

In its native range in southern Asia, the bulbul is found on forest edges, semi-open areas, and towns.

Range Map

What do red-whiskered bulbuls like to eat?

Natural diet

The red-whiskered bulbul primarily feeds on a variety of berries, small fruits, and insects. Due to its small bill, it tends to consume larger fruits only after they become overripe or if they’ve been punctured by other birds. In regions like Florida, its diet includes berries and fruits from Brazilian pepper, figs, lantana, jasmine, among others. Additionally, the bird takes nectar and consumes pieces of flowers and green shoots of vegetation, supplementing its diet with many insects.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, the red-whiskered bulbul might be attracted to offerings that reflect its natural diet. These can include soft fruits and berries, such as grapes and bananas, especially if they are overripe. Sugar water or nectar can also appeal to the bulbul, mimicking the nectar it would naturally consume from flowers.

What does a red-whiskered bulbul sound like?

The red-whiskered bulbul's vocalizations are diverse, marked by various chattering notes and a unique whistled "queekey" sound. These calls pattern in a falling, rising, and undulating manner, producing distinctive bird songs. The bird employs different calls including chirps or chips, and whistles, exhibiting an impressive range of sounds in its communication repertoire.

Call

Audio by Subhashish Panigrahi

/ CC BY-SA 4.0

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White-Eared Bulbul

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Red-Whiskered Bulbul

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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Red-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

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How to tell the White-Eared Bulbul from the Red-Whiskered Bulbul

Visual differences

The White-Eared Bulbul and Red-Whiskered Bulbul can be distinguished by key visual features. The White-Eared Bulbul is about 7 inches long and displays a dark gray body with a distinct white ear patch. Its beak is sharp and pointed. In contrast, the Red-Whiskered Bulbul is slightly longer, around 8 inches, featuring black, brown, gray, and white plumage with a black crest and notable red cheek patches ('whiskers') and red undertail coverts. Both species exhibit limited sexual dimorphism, with juveniles appearing more subdued. The Red-Whiskered has a more rounded or squared tail and a distinctive crest.

Key differences and behavior

The White-Eared Bulbul and Red-Whiskered Bulbul exhibit notable behavioral differences. White-Eared Bulbuls often form flocks of 20-30, especially outside breeding season, while Red-Whiskered Bulbuls are more solitary, being heard more than seen. White-Eared Bulbuls thrive in urban and scrubland environments, whereas Red-Whiskered Bulbuls prefer suburban areas with exotic fruiting trees. Diet-wise, both prefer fruits and insects, but White-Eared Bulbuls consume more seeds at feeders, adapting well to urban provisions, whereas Red-Whiskered Bulbuls are selective, favoring overripe fruits. Breeding involves White-Eared Bulbuls displaying food offerings and nesting close to human settlements, whereas Red-Whiskered Bulbuls exhibit mutual courtship displays and nest in well-concealed low shrubs. Both participate equally in rearing offspring.