Yellow-eared bulbul
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Family
Genus
SPECIES
Pycnonotus penicillatus

The yellow-eared bulbul (Pycnonotus penicillatus ) is a species of songbird in the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is an endemic resident breeder in the highlands of Sri Lanka. The common name is also used as an alternate name for the yellow-throated bulbul.

Appearance

The yellow-eared bulbul is about 20 cm (7.9 in) in length, with a long tail. It has olive upperparts and yellowish underparts. The crown of the head is grey, and there are yellow ear tufts and a yellow patch below the eye. There is a white tuft in front of the eye and the throat is also white.

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Sexes are similar in plumage, but young birds are duller than adults. The flight is bouncing and woodpecker-like.

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Distribution

Geography

Continents
Countries
Biogeographical realms

The yellow eared-bulbul is endemic to Sri Lanka and is the least common of the bulbuls found in Sri Lanka. This is a bird of jungle and wooded farmland. Despite its restricted range, it is quite readily found at sites such as Horton Plains, Piduruthalagala peak, Moonplains and Victoria Park in Nuwara Eliya and has been frequently sighted in rocky hills.

Yellow-eared bulbul habitat map
Yellow-eared bulbul habitat map
Yellow-eared bulbul
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Habits and Lifestyle

Yellow-eared bulbuls build their nest in a bush with two eggs in a typical clutch. They feed on fruit and insects. Nests are open and cup-shaped. Material such as roots and lichen are used in building the nests. Breeding season usually occurs around February-May and again during August-October.

Lifestyle
Seasonal behavior
Bird's call

Diet and Nutrition

Population

References

1. Yellow-eared bulbul Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow-eared_bulbul
2. Yellow-eared bulbul on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22712722/94345457
3. Xeno-canto bird call - https://xeno-canto.org/311478

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