Malaysian Birds - Red-whiskered Bulbul
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Diagnostic markings :- 20 cm. This is a very well sort after birds and not likely to be seen. Though a few still hanging around, the birds would appear when its favorite trees are fruiting. Still many hobbyists few that those spotted are either escapees or feral birds. To me judging from their habits and behavior those few I have seen were more likely to be wild birds. [1] Tall erected black crest [2] On the face, there is black moustachial line, white ear covert and red ear patch. [3] Upperpart dull brown and underpart white.[4] Undertail is also white Distribution :- This is a bird of continental India, countries south of the Himalayas and South-west China. Introduced in a few countries like Australia and North America. Habitats and preferences :- This is a lowland Bulbul that frequents open country and fields. Now there is a new trend since many of these birds were introduced, they frequent public parks as well as home garden. I saw my first Red-whiskered Bulbul in Rimba Kiara some 6 years back and never encounter the bird again. Then early this year, I was in Ampang at the jungle fringes opposite Kelab Darul Ehsan. There was a keen poachers lying in wait for the bird. Judging from his determination, he must have sighted the species in the same spot before. The point to note here is, that this bird appearing at forest edge, meaning this could be an authentic Bulbul and not an escapee. Again recently, a fruiting tree that attracted Yellow-vented, Striped-throated and Olive-winged Bulbuls also drawn in one Red-whiskered which hurriedly but quietly slipped in and left after a short time feeding of 45 minutes. I would say its habit is very unique and unlike any of the more common species of Bulbuls
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Red-whiskered Bulbul pix # 1
