Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus)
Order: PASSERIFORMES
Family: PYCNONOTIDAE Bulbuls
Scientific name: Pycnonotus jocosus
English name: Red-whiskered Bulbul
Characteristic: Size 20 cm. Upperpart is brown contrasting to white underpart. Black head is adorned with an erect long crest. White cheek patch is more distinctive than a smaller red patch adjoining it. A broad dark band runs from the bill, passing the lower cheek to the side of neck. Red vent is also highly diagnostic. Immatures lack the red cheek patch and having pinkishred vent.
Distribution: India, Southern China, and SE Asia.
Habitat: Forest edges and clearings with tall grasses, including nearby orchards and other agricultural grounds.
Habit: Keeps in close flock that skulking and gleaning through the shrubbery for ripe wild fruits and insects, also devouring nectar. It breeds between April-July by nesting in forks of twigs, and lays a clutch of 2-3 eggs. The incubation period lasts for 14-18 days.
Status: A less often seen resident in this area.
