Yellow-eared Bulbul

Yellow-eared Bulbul

Pycnonotus penicillatus

Silhouette: Andy Wilson · PhyloPic

Least ConcernNear ThreatenedVulnerableEndangeredCritically Endangered Endemic
Daily sighting probability <5% · Rare
at Sinharaja Forest Reserve
34 Verified sightings at Sinharaja Forest Reserve From 2019 to 2026
559 Verified sightings across all 2 parks From 2019 to 2026
January Best month highest sighting rate
🌅 Crepuscular When it's spotted at dawn and dusk

About the Yellow-eared Bulbul

The yellow-eared bulbul (Pycnonotus penicillatus) is a species of songbird in the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is an endemic resident breeder in the highlands of Sri Lanka. The common name is also used as an alternate name for the yellow-throated bulbul.

The yellow-eared bulbul was formerly classified in the monotypic genus Kelaartia, named after Dr. E.F. Kelaart. Alternate names for the yellow-eared bulbul include the Ceylon bulbul, Sri Lanka bulbul and yellow-tufted bulbul.

The yellow eared-bulbul is endemic to Sri Lanka and is the least common of the bulbuls found in Sri Lanka. This is a bird of jungle and wooded farmland. Despite its restricted range, it is quite readily found at sites such as Horton Plains, Piduruthalagala peak, Moonplains and Victoria Park in Nuwara Eliya and has been frequently sighted in rocky hills.

The yellow-eared bulbul is about 20 cm (7.9 in) in length, with a long tail. It has olive upperparts and yellowish underparts. The crown of the head is grey, and there are yellow ear tufts and a yellow patch below the eye. There is a white tuft in front of the eye and the throat... Wikipedia →

Global Distribution

Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.

Parks Where Found

# Park Country Daily sighting probability
1 Horton Plains National Park 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
~80%
2 Sinharaja Forest Reserve 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
<5%

Quick answers

What are the chances of seeing a Yellow-eared Bulbul in Sinharaja Forest Reserve?

Under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Yellow-eared Bulbul sighting in Sinharaja Forest Reserve, based on 34 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.

When is the best time to see Yellow-eared Bulbul in Sinharaja Forest Reserve?

January has the highest sighting rate for Yellow-eared Bulbul in Sinharaja Forest Reserve in our monthly data.

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