Himalayan bulbul

Himalayan bulbul
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Pycnonotidae
Genus: Pycnonotus
Species: P. leucogenys
Binomial name
Pycnonotus leucogenys
(Gray, 1835)

The Himalayan bulbul (Pycnonotus leucogenys) or White-cheeked Bulbul is a species of songbird in the Pycnonotidae family, native to central Asia.

Description

The Himalayan bulbul 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 a lengthy tail are brown, the underside and pale yellow. Sexes have are alike. The song is a beautiful 4-piece 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 Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Tajikistan.[1] It is the national bird of Bahrain.[2]

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

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 and cup-shaped, 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

References

  1. 1 2 BirdLife International (2012). "Pycnonotus leucogenys". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
  2. ↑ http://www.davidandliz.com/birds.htm
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