White-browed Bulbul
Pycnonotus luteolus
The White-browed Bulbul (Pycnonotus luteolus) is a common bulbul found in 2 countries, weighing about 35 g. The white-browed bulbul is a member of the bulbul family of passerine birds.
About the White-browed Bulbul
The white-browed bulbul is a member of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is a resident breeder in Sri Lanka and peninsular India. Largely olive coloured above with whitish underparts, it has a pale supercilium and a yellow vent. They are found in dense scrub habitats, where they skulk within vegetation and can be difficult to see although their loud and distinct burst of calls is distinctive.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The white-browed bulbul is about 20 cm (7.9 in) long, with a moderately long (8 centimetres or 3 inches) tail. It has olive-grey upperparts and whitish underparts. This species is identifiable by the white supercilium, white crescent below the eye, and dark eyestripe and moustachial stripe. The vent is yellowish and there is some yellow on the chin and moustache. The throat is, however, largely whitish unlike in the similar looking and sounding yellow-throated bulbul, which is found in rockier habitats. Three or four hair-like filoplumes are present on the nape. Sexes are similar in plumage.
What the White-browed Bulbul sounds like
Where it lives
When to see it
The White-browed Bulbul can be seen all year round, with peak activity in February. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a White-browed Bulbul?
- The white-browed bulbul is about 20 cm (7.9 in) long, with a moderately long (8 centimetres or 3 inches) tail. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a White-browed Bulbul?
- The White-browed Bulbul is a small sized bird weighing about 35 g.
- Where can you see a White-browed Bulbul?
- The White-browed Bulbul occurs in 2 countries, including India and Sri Lanka.
- What does a White-browed Bulbul sound like?
- You can listen to a field recording of the White-browed Bulbul on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a White-browed Bulbul?
- The White-browed Bulbul is most easily confused with the Yellow-vented Bulbul, the White-spectacled Bulbul and the White-eared Bulbul.
- Is the White-browed Bulbul endangered?
- The White-browed Bulbul is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the White-browed Bulbul for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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