White-spectacled Bulbul

Overview

The white-spectacled bulbul (Pycnonotus xanthopygos) is a member of the bulbul family. It is the most common member of its family in Israel and Lebanon. The species is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Measures 20–25 cm in length with a wingspan of 20–25 cm.
• Both sexes are similar in appearance.
• Juveniles exhibit a browner hood and less obvious eye-rings compared to adults.

Habitat

These birds inhabit fruit plantations, gardens, and cities. Breeding populations are distributed from central and southern Turkey through western Syria, Lebanon, western Jordan, Israel, Sinai, and into western, central, and southern Arabia. In Turkey, the species is mainly found in the coastal Mediterranean region, extending from Patara near Kaş in the west to Türkoğlu in the east.

Did you know?

The nest is a small cup constructed from thin twigs, grass stems, leaves, and moss, generally located in bushes and lined with hair, shredded bark, and small roots.