Light-vented Bulbul
Pycnonotus sinensis
Also known as: Chinese bulbul
The Light-vented bulbul, also known as the Chinese bulbul, is a small songbird with a distinctive black-and-white head, olive-brown upperparts and pale underparts. Found across China, Taiwan, northern Vietnam and Japan’s Yaeyama Islands, it inhabits woodland edges, farmland, parks and gardens. It feeds on fruit and insects and can often be seen foraging in groups, including alongside other bird species.
Light-vented Bulbul Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions About the Light-vented Bulbul
The Light-vented Bulbul is largely resident. Birds also overwinter in northern parts of its range, so northern populations should not all be described as migratory.
Its natural range includes China, Taiwan, northern Vietnam and Japan’s Yaeyama Islands. It uses woodland edges, farmland, parks and gardens.
The Light-vented Bulbul is an omnivore that eats fruit and insects, foraging in vegetation and sometimes collecting fallen fruit from the ground.
The Light-vented Bulbul is listed as Least Concern. It has a large range and its population is thought to be increasing.
The Light-vented Bulbul is usually often found in feeding groups, including mixed-species flocks.
The Light-vented Bulbul is typically diurnal.
The main threats facing the Light-vented Bulbul include Trapping for the cage-bird trade and Habitat loss.
The Light-vented Bulbul population trend is currently increasing.
Well-known places to look for the Light-vented Bulbul include City parks and gardens in eastern China and Lowland parks and farmland in Taiwan.
Natural predators of the Light-vented Bulbul include Cats, Birds of prey, Snakes (eggs and chicks), and Crows and magpies (on eggs).
Its white crown gives it the Chinese name 白头翁 ('white-headed old man'), and pairs are a traditional symbol of a couple growing old together.
The Light-vented Bulbul is part of the Pycnonotidae family and a Passeriformes order.
The Light-vented Bulbul weighs about 0.03 kg, stands around 19 cm tall, reaches about 19 cm in length, and has a wingspan of about 27 cm.
