Red-whiskered Bulbul

Brief Description

A medium-sized songbird known for its upright black crest and cheerful, musical call. It is frequently seen in gardens and urban parks as well as lighly toasted forest edges.

Additional Information

• Region of Origin: Tropical Asia (Native to regions stretching from India to Southeast Asia and China)
• Typical Sighting Period: Year-round (Non-migratory in most of its range)
• Plumage Details: Features a brown back and white underparts with a broken dark collar. Its most distinctive features include a tall black crest, a red patch behind the eye (the 'whisker'), and a red vent.
• Ecological Significance: Acts as a primary seed disperser for various fruiting plants and keeps insect populations in check through its varied diet.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC)
• Observation Tips: Look for them in fruiting trees or shrubs where they feed in small groups. They are vocal birds, so listen for their characteristic 'pettigrew-kick-pettigrew' call to locate them.