White-eared Bulbul

Overview

The white-eared bulbul (Pycnonotus leucotis) is a rotund songbird belonging to the bulbul family, found across southwestern Asia from the Arabian Peninsula to India. Although classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, its wild populations are currently declining.

Identification

• Plumage: Brownish-grey body with a black head and a distinct large white spot around the cheeks; the vent is bright yellow.
• Tail: Relatively long and tapering, starting black and ending in white tips.
• Head: Black head with bare eye rings and a short bill.
• Song: A brief but pleasant and fluid set of notes used to chirp different melodies.

Habitat

Native to western India, much of Pakistan, southern Afghanistan, coastal Iran, and the two-river basin in Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain. It has also been introduced to other Persian Gulf countries, including Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.

Did you know?

In Iran, the bird is a popular cage bird kept by many households for its melodious song, a widespread practice that persists despite being technically illegal and raises concerns for wild population conservation.