Himalayan Bulbul

(Pyconotus leucogenys)

Size(20cm): It is a small Bulbul which is considered as a sibling species of the White-eared Bulbul.

Area: Resident in the Himalayas but may descend to hotter parts of Punjab in winters.

Habitat: Bushy valleys and woody hill-slopes.

My two words: It has a black head and throat. They have white cheeks. The back and tail are brown. The mantle is somewhat lighter. The underside is pale-yellow. In fact, it is almost white. The vent is yellow.

Himalayan Bulbuls are quite similar to the White-eared Bulbuls. But, the former has a distinct black crest which is not seen in the other. Also, the White-eared Bulbuls have more white on the cheek than the Himalayan Bulbuls.

Both the sexes are similar in appearance.

The song is a melodious what…you…do. They feed mainly on fruits,
berries, seeds, nectar, and small invertebrates.

The adults become very territorial during the breeding season. The nests are built in lower branches of the trees. They are made up of twigs, straw and are cup-shaped. Usually, 3 eggs are laid and take about two weeks of incubation. The chicks fledge in about 9-12 days.

These birds are not very common but are also not rare.

~Arjun Basandrai