Kingdom Animalia Order Passeriformes Genus Pycnonotus Higher classification Pycnonotus | Phylum Chordata Family Pycnonotidae Scientific name Pycnonotus penicillatus Rank Species | |
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Similar Bird, Dull‑blue flycatcher, Bulbul, Sri Lanka white‑eye, Yellow‑wattled bulbul | ||
Yellow eared bulbul
The yellow-eared bulbul (Pycnonotus penicillatus) is a species of songbird in the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is an endemic resident breeder in the highlands of Sri Lanka. The common name is also used as an alternate name for the yellow-throated bulbul.
Contents
The endemicyellow eared bulbul pycnonotus penicillatus
Taxonomy and systematics
The yellow-eared bulbul was formerly classified in the monotypic genus Kelaartia, named after Dr. E.F. Kelaart. Alternate names for the yellow-eared bulbul include the Ceylon bulbul, Sri Lanka bulbul and yellow-tufted bulbul.
Distribution and habitat
This is a bird of jungle and wooded farmland. Despite its restricted range, it is quite readily found at sites such as Horton Plains and Victoria Park in Nuwara Eliya. It builds its nest in a bush; two eggs is a typical clutch.
Description
The yellow-eared bulbul is about 20 cm (7.9 in) in length, with a long tail. It has olive upperparts and yellowish underparts. The crown of the head is grey, and there are yellow ear tufts and a yellow patch below the eye. There is a white tuft in front of the eye and the throat is also white.
Sexes are similar in plumage, but young birds are duller than adults. The flight is bouncing and woodpecker-like. Yellow-eared bulbuls feed on fruit and insects.