Yellow-throated Bulbul

The Yellow-throated Bulbul, known scientifically as Pycnonotus xantholaemus, is a songbird that belongs to the bulbul family. This species is endemic to the southern peninsular region of India. It is an uncrested bulbul, primarily olive grey in coloration, with distinctive yellow on its throat, undertail coverts, and tail tips. The head is plain, and the breast and belly are washed with grey. Both males and females share similar plumage.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Yellow-throated Bulbul, look for the absence of a supercilium and the presence of a yellow throat, which sets it apart from the similar White-browed Bulbul. The yellow vent is also a key characteristic to note.

Habitat

This bird favors scrub habitats on steep, rocky hills, which are often under threat from human activities such as granite quarrying.

Distribution

The Yellow-throated Bulbul is found in the Eastern Ghats and central peninsular India, with a highly fragmented distribution. It is also present in some areas of the Western Ghats. Notable locations include the Nandi Hills, Horsley Hills, Gingee, Yercaud, and the Biligirirangans. Its range is suspected to extend into the northern Eastern Ghats of Orissa.

Behaviour

The Yellow-throated Bulbul is typically shy and concealed within scrub. It is often detected by its sudden cackling calls, which are similar to those of the White-browed Bulbul. During hot afternoons and in the dry season, these birds visit water pools to drink and bathe.

Song & Calls

The calls of the Yellow-throated Bulbul are very similar to that of the White-browed Bulbul, characterized by sudden cackling outbursts.

Breeding

The breeding season occurs from June to August. The nest is constructed in the fork of a small tree, where two eggs are laid. The eggs hatch in about 20 days, and the chicks fledge 13 days later.

Similar Species

The White-browed Bulbul is the species most similar to the Yellow-throated Bulbul, but it can be distinguished by its supercilium and lack of a yellow throat.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists of insects and berries from various scrub plant species, including Lantana camara, Flueggea leucopyrus, and Toddalia asiatica, among others.

Conservation status

The Yellow-throated Bulbul is currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Its populations are very local, and the fragmentation of its habitat makes conservation a pressing concern.