White-browed Bulbul
Pycnonotus luteolus
A plain brownish bulbul that is endemic to the bottom half of peninsular India and Sri Lanka. Ubiquitous inhabitant of scrubby habitat across its range and sometimes overlaps with Yellow-throated Bulbul in rocky scrub. Although both species have a yellow vent and can sound similar, White-browed can be distinguished by its brown face and white eyebrow. Usually occurs in pairs and tends to skulk in undergrowth. Rather noisy but uncommonly seen, listen for regular, short bursts of distinctive raucous babbling.
Identification
The white-browed bulbul is about 20 cm (7.9 in) long, with a moderately long (8 centimetres or 3 inches) tail. It has olive-grey upperparts and whitish underparts. This species is identifiable by the white supercilium, white crescent below the eye, and dark eyestripe and moustachial stripe. The vent is yellowish and there is some yellow on the chin and moustache. The throat is, however, largely whitish unlike in the similar looking and sounding yellow-throated bulbul, which is found in rockier habitats. Three or four hair-like filoplumes are present on the nape. Sexes are similar in plumage. It is usually detected by the burst of song that it produces from the top of a bush and often dives into the bush becoming difficult to see. The song is a rich, spluttering warble and the bird is more often heard than seen. P. l. insulae is slightly darker and has a shorter wing than the nominate race.
Taxonomy
Two subspecies are recognized:
- Scientific name
- Pycnonotus luteolus
- Authority
- (Lesson, RP, 1841)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pycnonotidae
- Genus
- Pycnonotus
Range and habitat
This species is endemic to southern India and Sri Lanka. The northern boundary occurs across Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and western West Bengal (near Midnapur). It is found in dry open scrub country mainly on the plains and also occurs in gardens and woodlands with dense shrubbery.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
White-browed bulbuls are usually seen singly or in pairs. They forage within bushes for fruit, nectar and insects. The breeding season is spread out from March to September and they may possibly breed twice a year. Peaks in breeding occur in February and again in September. The dry season of May to July appears to be avoided for breeding in the Point Calimere region. They build a nest, a loose cup made of twigs, cobwebs and hair placed low in a thick bush and usually on the periphery. Two eggs form the typical clutch.Individuals may live for more than 11 years.
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Chunky-looking bird with a small head and a larger bill than other jacamars, recalling a kingfisher. Chestnut-colored overall with a pinkish-red bill. Occurs in humid upland and seasonally flooded forests, where it is most often seen flycatching from exposed branches, often in small groups. The song is a high, whistled “péeeuh- péeeuh- péeeuh- péeeuh.”
Papuan Thornbill
Acanthiza murina
A small bird of upper montane and subalpine forest canopy and bushes. Dull brown upperparts, whitish underparts and yellowish tinged head, neck and upper chest. Note the white, beady eye, grizzled cheek and relatively short bill. Forages very actively and constantly, often in mixed flocks with Large and Papuan Scrubwrens. Similar to Brown-breasted Gerygone, but Papuan Thornbill is more common higher up and avoids more open habitats. Voice, various high-pitch chips and squeaks.
Small Lifou White-eye
Zosterops minutus
A classic small yellowish white-eye with a bold white eyering and whitish flanks. The “boring” white-eye on Lifou. Found throughout the island. No similar species on Lifou; the local race of Silvereye notably more boldly patterned, with gray back and underparts and black in the face. Has a variety of vocalizations, all “typical” sounding for a white-eye, including a short pleasant warbled song.
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