Himalayan Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys Scientific name definitions

The Himalayan Bulbul is endemic to the Himalayan region of the Indian subcontinent. The species occurs from 600 m to 2,400 m, inhabiting a variety of habitats including home gardens, shrubberies, hilly slopes, and natural forests. The earthy brown plumage of the bird is accented by the hard to miss punchy crest that bends over the bill, white-cheeks, and sulphur yellow vent. It feeds chiefly on insects and fruits from various heights in foliage, but also descends to the ground to feed on ants, beetles, and human food scraps especially during winters when natural food is scarce. The species shares morphological similarity with White-eared Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucotis), which occurs in western India and parts of central India, although there is no overlap in the distribution of these two species. It can be heard warbling from the tree tops during morning hours with Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) and Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus) in areas where they coexist. Although the species does not migrate, populations in the higher altitudes do show local movements as they descend down in elevation during winters. Usually occurs in pairs or small flocks, but also wanders around in larger flocks and mixed-hunting parties during winters. Himalayan Bulbul usually makes a cup-shaped nests in shrubs and understory trees. Although the species does not face any direct anthropogenic threat, there are reports of individuals being caught for the pet trade.