Pycnonotus penicillatus
The Yellow-eared Bulbul, *Pycnonotus penicillatus*, is a vibrantly distinctive songbird endemic to the central highlands of Sri Lanka, offering a visual treat to birders with its unique plumage. Measuring approximately 20 cm (8 inches) in length and weighing around 27-30 grams, it boasts olive-green upperparts and paler yellowish-olive underparts, strikingly contrasted by fine white scaling on its belly and vent. Its most characteristic field marks are the brilliant, lemon-yellow ear tufts th...
This bulbul primarily inhabits montane evergreen forests, dense scrubland, forest edges, and even tea plantations at elevations generally above 900 meters (3,000 feet) in Sri Lanka's central highlands.
Their diet consists primarily of small fruits and berries, supplemented significantly by insects gleaned from foliage, and occasionally nectar.
Yellow-eared Bulbuls are typically observed in pairs or small family groups, actively foraging throughout the day from dawn until dusk. They are arboreal foragers, gleaning insects from foliage and snatching fruits from bushes and trees, often employing a rapid, agile movement through the canopy....
The Yellow-eared Bulbul is strictly endemic to the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Its distribution is confined to the higher elevation montane forests, generally found at altitudes above 900 meters (3,000 feet), though occasional sightings occur down to 300 meters. Key areas include the Horton P...
Least Concern
- The Yellow-eared Bulbul is one of only two bulbul species endemic to Sri Lanka, highlighting its unique evolutionary path on the island. - Its distinctive yellow ear tufts are not just decorative; they are prominent post-ocular feather tufts that contribute to its striking appearance and are a ...