The red-whiskered bulbul, or crested bulbul, is a passerine bird native to Asia. It is a member of the bulbul family. It is a resident frugivore found mainly in tropical Asia. It has been introduced in many tropical areas of the world where populations have established themselves. It has a loud three or four note call, feeds on fruits and small insects and perches conspicuously on trees. It is common in hill forests and urban gardens.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Native from the Indian subcontinent through southern China and Southeast Asia, it thrives in open woodland, scrub, farmland edges, and urban gardens. It adapts readily to human-modified landscapes, often favoring areas with fruiting shrubs and tall perches. Introduced populations are established in places such as Florida, Hawaii, Mauritius, and Réunion, among others. It avoids dense, closed-canopy forest but is common in secondary growth and plantations.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Easily recognized by its black crest and bright red cheek patch, this bulbul is a favorite among birdwatchers in parks and gardens. It has been widely introduced outside its native range and can become invasive, yet it also serves as an effective seed disperser for many plants. Pairs are often conspicuous, perching high and delivering loud, three- or four-note phrases. Both sexes look similar, with juveniles duller and lacking the full intensity of red.
Exchanging food; in Mauritius
Red-whiskered bulbul at nest
With chicks in nest
Eggs in the nest of a red-whiskered bulbul
Red-whiskered bulbul immature missing red patch
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups, often joining loose flocks around fruiting trees. They are monogamous, building neat cup-shaped nests in shrubs or small trees. Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, cheerful phrases of three or four notes, often delivered from prominent perches. Calls include sharp chinks and tinkling sequences, repeated frequently at dawn and during active periods.
