Pycnonotus jocosus (Linnaeus, 1758)

A common bird of hill forests and urban gardens. Distinguished by a tall pointed black crest, red face patch and brownish upper parts.

A brown and white bulbul with a black crest. Red patch on white cheek, and at base of tail

This bulbul has a tall, pointed black crest, and a red and white cheek patch. Its underparts are white except for a red vent. The upperparts and tail are uniformly brown, but the tail has a white tip. It is found in dry scrubland and the edges of forests, and is more likely to be found in hilly, well-wooded areas than the Red-vented Bulbul. It does visit parks and gardens, and can be seen in the trees and bushes around the Anmagiri Children’s Park. It has a strong but rather slow and jerky flight. It feeds on insects and fruits and berries, and can cause damage to ripening fruit. It utters similar but more musical notes to those of the Red-vented Bulbul.

P. j. jocosus P. j. fuscicaudatus P. j. abuensis P. j. pyrrhotis P. j. emeria P. j. whistleri P. j. monticola P. j. pattani P. j. peguensis

Nests may be found at all seasons of the year, but chiefly from February to August. The nest, like that of the Red-vented Bulbul, is a compact cup made of rootlets, fine twigs and grass. Casuarina needles are utilised where available. The site selected is usually some low tree, shrub or hedge in a garden or in scrub country, there being little effort at concealment. Occasionally it is placed in the thatch or palm-leaf walls and roofs of huts, the birds sitting complacently on the eggs or feeding the young within a few inches of the inmates. The eggs—two to four in number—are very similar to those of the last species. Both sexes share in next building, incubation and care of the young. The incubation period is 15-16 days. Two, or even three, broods are frequently raised or attempted in succession, the casualty among the eggs and young being amazingly heavy.

Somewhat smaller and slimmer than the Myna. (8").

Distinguishable at a glance from the foregoing by the presence of an upstanding, pointed black crest which sometimes curves forward almost over the beak. The crimson ' whiskers ' and undertail patch, and white underparts are other diagnostic features. Sexes alike.

A lively bird which is a widespread resident in forests, scrub and urban gardens. Has a cheerful `whee-chi-chi ´ call. Also does a harsh `che-che-che-che ´.

The Red-whiskered Bulbul is another of the more familiar birds of our gardens and countryside, being found wherever trees afford the prospect of food and shelter, not uncommonly in the heart of noisy cities. Its joyous, querulous notes may be heard at all hours of the day. The birds go about in pairs, "but numbers will collect at some tree or shrub in fruit. Their diet consists principally of berries— those of the Lantana being a favourite— but they also devour a considerable number of spiders, insects and caterpillars.

They make engaging pets, becoming exceedingly tame and confiding, following their master about and flying long distances when called.

They mostly prefer better wooded localities and commonly found in hills up to 2500m often to the exclusion of the latter.

In gardens and open scrub country.

IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern

Red List Category & Criteria: Least Concern ver 3.1