Himalayan bulbul

Taxonomy and systematics

The Himalayan bulbul is considered to belong to a superspecies along with the white-eared bulbul, white-spectacled bulbul, African red-eyed bulbul, Cape bulbul, and common bulbul. The alternate name, white-cheeked bulbul, is also used by the white-eared bulbul.

Description

The Himalayan bulbul is about 18 cm in length, with a wingspan of 25.5–28 cm and an average weight of 30 g. Its head, throat, and crest are black and white. The back, side, and lengthy tail are brown, the underside is pale yellow. Sexes have similar plumage. The song is a beautiful 4-part whistle, which resembles an accelerated oriole whistle.

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in the northern regions of the Indian subcontinent and some adjoining areas. It is found in and near the Himalayas.

The Himalayan bulbul frequents forests and shrubland and also comes into gardens and parks.

Behaviour and ecology

The Himalayan bulbul feeds on insects and other small invertebrates, as well as berries, fruits, seeds, buds and nectar.

Nests are usually built in bushes or low branches, are cup-shaped, and made of stems, roots and twigs. The female usually lays three eggs, which are incubated for 12 days. The chicks leave the nest when they are 9–11 days old. There may be up to three broods raised per year. During breeding, adults become very territorial.

Gallery

Image:Himalayan Bulbuls - Himachal- I IMG 3118.jpg Image:Himalayan Bulbul I IMG 6480.jpg Image:Himalayan Bulbul I IMG 3004.jpg Image:HimalayanBulbul.JPG|In the Punjab, India Image:The Himalayan Bulbul.jpg|At the Shimla Water catchment, Himachal Pradesh Image:Himalayan Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys at sattal DSCN0452 1.jpg|Himalayan Bulbul at Sattal Image:Himalayan Bulbul scientific name Pycnonotus leucogenys at Sattal Kumaon India DSCN1231 1.jpg|Himalayan Bulbul at Sattal Kumaon India Image:Himalayan Bulbul Courting D72 14780.jpg|Himalayan bulbuls courting, IIT Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India, 22 April 2020 Image:Himalayan Bulbul Nabarun Sadhya.jpg

References

References

1. BirdLife International. (2016). "''Pycnonotus leucogenys''".
2. (2022). "Himalayan Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucogenys)".
3. "Bulbuls « IOC World Bird List".