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  1. Species
  2. ›
  3. Pycnonotidae
  4. ›
  5. Pycnonotus
  6. ›
  7. Red-whiskered Bulbul
Red-whiskered Bulbul
Photo · (c) Jonno Downes, some rights reserved (CC BY)

BirdUp · Species

Red-whiskered Bulbul

Pycnonotus jocosus(Linnaeus, 1758)

Updated 11 June 2026

Origin: Native
Order
PASSERIFORMES
Family
Pycnonotidae
Genus
Pycnonotus

At a glance

The Red-whiskered Bulbul is a medium-sized bird, about 20–22 cm long, native to Australia. It can be seen year-round.

Size
20–22 cm
Origin
Native
Best seen
Year-round
Commonness
Very common
  • Identification
  • Where
  • When
  • Voice
  • Behaviour
  • Gallery

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

What does a Red-whiskered Bulbul look like?

The Red-whiskered Bulbul is a medium-sized bird, about 20–22 cm long and weighing 24–31 g.

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.

Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

Field specs

Length
20–22 cm
Weight
24–31 g

Measurements · avonet · CC BY 4.0

03 · When

When to look

When can you see a Red-whiskered Bulbul?

The Red-whiskered Bulbul is present across its Australian range year-round, so it can be seen in any month.

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

04 · Voice

What it sounds like

Call

Thomas Mesaglio · Salt Pan Creek walk, Punchbowl, Sydney, New South Wales

Call

James Ray · North Kellyville NSW 2155, Australia

Call

James Ray · Marayong NSW 2148, Australia

Call

James Ray · Marayong NSW 2148, Australia

05 · Behaviour

Habits and haunts

What does a Red-whiskered Bulbul eat?

The Red-whiskered Bulbul feeds on fruit and terrestrial invertebrates, usually foraging in pairs or flocks or alone.

06 · Gallery

Plumage up close

3 photos

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02 · Where

Where to find it

Where does the Red-whiskered Bulbul live in Australia?

The Red-whiskered Bulbul is native to Australia, recorded across 15 of Australia’s bioregions, with a core range spanning widespread.

BreedingWidespread

Distribution from BirdUp Australia community data

Legend

  • Resident
  • Vagrant
  • Breeding

6 regions recorded