Pale-eyed Bulbul
Pycnonotus davisoni
Distinctive bulbul endemic to the Irrawaddy River delta in southern Myanmar. Note namesake white irises, as well as the yellow facial stripes. Gray-brown body contrasts with olive wings and bright yellow vent. Inhabits lowland evergreen broadleaf and swamp forests in its restricted range. Formerly treated as the same species as Stripe-faced Bulbul (under “Stripe-throated Bulbul”), with which it overlaps in far southeastern Myanmar; note present species’ pale eyes and darker body. Song is throaty and melodious.
Identification
The pale-eyed bulbul grows to a length of about 20 cm (8 in). The plumage of both sexes is predominantly dull brown with the exception of the forehead, ear coverts, throat and upper breast which are boldly streaked with yellow. The leading edges of the wings and the outer tail feathers are yellowish, the lower breast and belly are streaked with white, and the area around the vent is yellow. Juveniles are similar to adults but the yellow-colouring is more muted. The song is a rather variable loud, clear sequence of throaty notes.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Pycnonotus davisoni
- Authority
- (Hume, 1875)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pycnonotidae
- Genus
- Pycnonotus
Range and habitat
This bulbul is native to Myanmar. It is a woodland bird found in secondary forests, thickets, scrubland, clearings and gardens, at altitudes up to about 1,300 m (4,300 ft).
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The pale-eyed bulbul is omnivorous, foraging for berries and fruits including banyans and Ficus triangularis, and supplementing these with insects which it takes on the wing or on the ground. Breeding takes place between February and September in Malaysia, the nest being cup-shaped, deep and carefully made.
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
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