Himalayan bulbul facts for kids
The Himalayan bulbul (Pycnonotus leucogenys) is a cool songbird found in parts of Central and South Asia. It's also known as the white-cheeked bulbul because of its distinctive white patches on its face. This bird belongs to the bulbul family.
Quick facts for kids Himalayan bulbul |
|
|---|---|
_Cropped.jpg) |
|
| In Nepal | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
 |
|
| Distribution of P. leucotis (light green) and P. leucogenys (dark green) in the South Asian region | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Contents
About the Himalayan Bulbul
The Himalayan bulbul is related to several other types of bulbuls. These include the white-eared bulbul and the white-spectacled bulbul. Sometimes, the name "white-cheeked bulbul" is also used for the white-eared bulbul.
What Does the Himalayan Bulbul Look Like?
The Himalayan bulbul is about 18 centimeters (7 inches) long. Its wings can spread out to about 25.5 to 28 centimeters (10-11 inches). On average, it weighs about 30 grams (1 ounce).
Colors and Features
This bird has a black head, throat, and a cool crest on its head. It also has bright white patches on its cheeks. Its back, sides, and long tail are brown. The underside of its body is a pale yellow color. Both male and female birds look very similar.
Its Song
The Himalayan bulbul has a beautiful song. It's a four-part whistle that sounds fast and musical. Some people say it sounds a bit like an oriole's whistle.
Where Do Himalayan Bulbuls Live?
You can find the Himalayan bulbul in the northern parts of the Indian subcontinent. They live in and around the Himalayas mountain range.
Preferred Homes
These birds like to live in forests and areas with lots of shrubs. They also visit gardens and parks, especially if there are trees and bushes.
Himalayan Bulbul Behavior
Himalayan bulbuls are active birds that spend their time looking for food and raising their young.
What Do They Eat?
The Himalayan bulbul eats a variety of foods. They enjoy insects and other small creatures without backbones. They also eat berries, fruits, seeds, buds, and nectar from flowers.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
Himalayan bulbuls build their nests in bushes or on low branches of trees. Their nests are shaped like a cup and are made from stems, roots, and small twigs.
The female bird usually lays three eggs. She sits on the eggs to keep them warm for about 12 days. This is called incubation. Once the chicks hatch, they grow quickly. They are ready to leave the nest when they are about 9 to 11 days old. A pair of bulbuls might raise up to three groups of chicks in one year!
During the breeding season, adult bulbuls become very protective of their nesting area. They will defend their territory from other birds.
Gallery
-
-
-
-
In the Punjab, India
-
At the Shimla Water catchment, Himachal Pradesh
-
Himalayan Bulbul at Sattal
-
Himalayan Bulbul at Sattal Kumaon India
-
Himalayan bulbuls courting, IIT Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India, 22 April 2020
