Red-Whiskered Bulbul

pycnonotus jocosus

The Red-Whiskered Bulbul is a lively, charismatic songbird easily recognized by its perky black crest and vibrant red facial patches. Native to tropical Asia, this bird has successfully established introduced populations in various warm climates around the world, including parts of North America and Australia. Known for its cheerful, bubbling call, it is a highly active and social species that can frequently be seen darting through gardens, orchards, and light forests. This adaptive passerine thrives in close proximity to human settlements, bringing life and music to urban parks and suburban backyards. Its friendly demeanor and striking appearance make it a favorite among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Habitat: Found in open forests, shrublands, agricultural areas, and urban parks or gardens, typically avoiding deep, dense forests.

Appearance

This medium-sized songbird measures about 18 to 22 cm in length, characterized by an upright posture and a prominent, forward-pointing black crest. It features a brownish-gray back, clean white underparts, and a distinctive bright red patch (the 'whisker') behind its eye, which sits above a white cheek patch outlined in black. A thin, incomplete dark collar sweeps down from its throat, and it boasts bright scarlet undertail coverts that flash vividly when the bird is in flight or displaying.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyPycnonotidaeGenusPycnonotus

Red-Whiskered Bulbul

Interesting facts

In parts of India and Southeast Asia, they are highly prized as pets for their beautiful singing voices and are even entered into singing competitions.

The red 'whiskers' that give this bird its name are actually small patches of bright red feathers located just below and behind its eyes.

They build neat, cup-shaped nests out of twigs, roots, and sometimes household litter like string, paper, or plastic bags.

Special abilities

They are highly agile fliers capable of hovering briefly to pluck berries or catch insects mid-air with precise coordination.

They act as sentinels in their habitat, emitting loud, sharp alarm calls that warn both their own flock and other species of nearby predators.

Possesses a rich, musical repertoire of whistles and chirrups used to establish territory and maintain flock cohesion.

Measurements & details

Length: 18+ cm
Wingspan: 25+ cm
Weight: 0.025+ kg
Lifespan: 4+ years
Top Speed: 35 km/h
Clutch Size: 2+
Incubation: 12+ days
Migration Distance: 0 km

Diet & Feeding

Primarily feeds on a wide variety of fruits, berries, and nectar, supplementing its diet with insects and small invertebrates, especially during the breeding season.

Age differences: Chicks are fed almost exclusively on protein-rich insects by parents to support rapid growth, transitioning to a fruit-dominated diet as they mature.

Primary Foods

Figs
Lantana berries
Insects
Flower nectar
Buds and shoots

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

mutualism

Common Lantana

Lantana camara

The bulbul feeds heavily on its berries and acts as a major seed disperser, though this sometimes assists the spread of this invasive weed.

eaten by

Domestic Cat

Felis catus

A prominent predator of eggs, fledglings, and adult bulbuls in urban and suburban environments.

parasite

Jacobin Cuckoo

Clamator jacobinus

An occasional brood parasite that lays its eggs in the nests of red-whiskered bulbuls, leaving them to raise the cuckoo chick.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Red-Whiskered Bulbul?

The easiest way to identify Red-Whiskered Bulbul is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Red-Whiskered Bulbul?

18+ cm

What is Red-Whiskered Bulbul's wingspan?

25+ cm

How much does Red-Whiskered Bulbul weigh?

0.025+ kg

How long does Red-Whiskered Bulbul live?

4+ years

How fast can Red-Whiskered Bulbul move?

35 km/h

What does Red-Whiskered Bulbul eat?

Primarily feeds on a wide variety of fruits, berries, and nectar, supplementing its diet with insects and small invertebrates, especially during the breeding season.

Where is Red-Whiskered Bulbul usually found?

Found in open forests, shrublands, agricultural areas, and urban parks or gardens, typically avoiding deep, dense forests.