Light-vented Bulbul
Pycnonotus sinensis
They are known as 'white-headed weng' in Chinese, translating to 'white-headed old man' due to the distinctive white patch on the back of their heads.
- Scientific name
- Pycnonotus sinensis
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Chordata › Aves › Passeriformes › Pycnonotidae › Pycnonotus
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- increasing
- Biome
- urban
- Habitat
- Subtropical forests, shrublands, agricultural orchards, urban parks, and residential gardens.
- Diet
- Omnivorous, feeding on berries, fruits, seeds, and small insects.
- Range
- China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea
- Size
- 18-20 cm in length, 30-45 g in weight
- Lifespan
- 3-5 years
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Pesticide usage reducing insect prey, window collisions in urban areas, and localized capture for the pet trade.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless and accustomed to humans. Observe from a respectful distance (5-10 feet) to avoid disturbing their nesting or foraging. Do not offer processed human food; planting native berry-producing shrubs is a safe way to support them.
The light-vented bulbul ( Pycnonotus sinensis ) is a species of bird in the bulbul family. It is found in central and southern China, northern Vietnam and Taiwan.
Photo: 葉子, CC0, via iNaturalist
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