Red-whiskered Bulbul

Introduction: It is a passerine bird which is founded in Asia. It is member of Bulbul family.

How to Identify Red-whiskered Bulbul

The length of the Red-whiskered bulbul is about 20 cm. It has black crest,red and white cheek patch and thin black moustache. The tail is long and brown with white terminal feathers and red vent.It has a brown upper part with dark spur running onto the breast at the level of shoulder.

Habits and Habitat of Red-whiskered Bulbul

This Red-whiskered bulbul like lightly wooded areas, more open country with bushes and shrubs and farm land. It feeds on fruits and small insects. They are very commonly found on hill forests and urban areas.
Their calls are loud three or four note call and the song is scolding chatter.
The breeding season is spread out and peaks from December to May in southern India and March to October in northern India. Breeding can occur one or two times a year. During courtship, the male bows the head, spread the tail and drops wings.
They make a cup shaped nest on bushes or small trees. It is made of fine twigs, roots and grasses. Female generally lays two eggs. The colour of the egg is pale mauve speckles becoming blotches towards the broad end. Egg takes 12 days to hatch. Both the parents take the responsibility to raise the youngs. Young birds are feed on caterpillars and insects which are replaced by fruits as they mature.

Scientific name : Pycnonotus jocosus.

Conclusion : Once for it's beauty and melodious song, this Red-whiskered bulbul was verry popular as cage bird in India. But now it is prevented under Wild bird protection act and included in schedule IV which states that capturing or any harmful activity to this bird is punishable.

Next : Suntalekhola for birding