Bird Guide

Sooty-headed Bulbul vs Stripe-throated Bulbul

Sooty-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus aurigaster)

Sooty-headed Bulbul

Pycnonotus aurigaster

Small44 gShrubland

A medium-sized songbird measuring between 18 and 21 centimetres in length with a short crest, the sooty-headed bulbul can be distinguished from the similar red-vented bulbul by its tan front, less extensive area of black on its head and gold-colored vent in certain subspecies. Its call is a series of whistled notes similar in tone to that of the red-whiskered bulbul, but delivered in a more hurried manner.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: belvedere04 · CC BY 4.0
Stripe-throated Bulbul (Pycnonotus finlaysoni)

Stripe-throated Bulbul

Pycnonotus finlaysoni

Small26 gShrubland

The stripe-throated 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.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Rushenb · CC BY 2.0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Sooty-headed Bulbul and Stripe-throated Bulbul.