Red-whiskered bulbul

The red-whiskered bulbul, often called the crested bulbul, is a charming passerine bird native to tropical Asia. As a member of the bulbul family, this bird is a resident frugivore, meaning it primarily feeds on fruits and small insects. Known for its loud call and habit of perching conspicuously in trees, the red-whiskered bulbul has also established populations in various tropical regions around the world, where it has been introduced.

Originally, Carl Linnaeus classified the red-whiskered bulbul with shrikes in the genus Lanius back in 1758. Over time, instances of these birds hybridizing with other bulbul species in captivity have been documented. Additionally, some have exhibited leucism, a condition causing reduced pigmentation. There are nine recognized subspecies of the red-whiskered bulbul, each with unique geographical ranges and physical traits.

This bird measures approximately 20 centimeters in length, featuring brown upper parts, whitish underparts, and a distinctive red patch on its face. Its call, a sharp "kink-a-joo" is often heard more often than the bird is seen. The red-whiskered bulbul favors habitats such as lightly wooded areas, open country with bushes and shrubs, and farmland.

The red-whiskered bulbul has been introduced to locations outside its native range, including Australia, the United States (notably Los Angeles, Hawaii, and Florida), Mauritius, and the Mascarene Islands. In some of these regions, its presence has had ecological impacts, such as aiding in the spread of alien plant species.

In terms of breeding, this bird has a flexible breeding season and constructs cup-shaped nests in bushes or small trees. Both parents participate in raising their young, initially feeding them caterpillars and insects, then transitioning to fruits and berries as they grow. However, the species does face threats from avian malaria parasites.

Historically, the red-whiskered bulbul was a popular cage bird in India and Southeast Asia because of its bold nature and ease of domestication. Even today, it remains a favored cage bird in some areas.