Sri Lanka’s Endemic Yellow-Eared Bulbul

Introduction

The Sri Lanka Yellow-Eared Bulbul is a rare and beautiful bird that is endemic to the island nation of Sri Lanka. With its bright yellow ear patches and distinctive black and white plumage, this bird is a favorite among bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. In this blog post, we’ll explore the unique characteristics of the Sri Lanka Yellow-Eared Bulbul, including its habitat, diet, behavior, and conservation status.

Body & Habitat of  Yellow-Eared Bulbul 

The Sri Lanka Yellow-Eared Bulbul is a medium-sized bird, measuring around 18 cm in length and weighing up to 28 grams. The bird’s distinctive black and white plumage is complemented by its bright yellow ear patches, which make it easy to identify. The bird’s bill is black and its eyes are dark brown. The Sri Lanka Yellow-Eared Bulbul is only found in the highlands of Sri Lanka, above an elevation of 1,500 meters.

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The bird’s preferred habitat is in the dense, humid forests of the Sri Lankan highlands. The bird is primarily insectivorous, feeding on a range of small invertebrates including ants, beetles, and caterpillars. The Sri Lanka Yellow-Eared Bulbul is also known to feed on fruit and nectar, making it an important pollinator for many plant species.

Behaviour of Yellow-Eared Bulbul 

The behavior of the Sri Lanka Yellow-Eared Bulbul is characterized by its energetic movements and vocalizations. The bird is known for its high-pitched, musical calls, which are often heard echoing through the forest canopy. The Sri Lanka Yellow-Eared Bulbul is also known for its impressive flight abilities, with the bird often darting and diving through the trees in search of food.

Where Can You Find Yellow-Eared Bulbul

• Horton Plains National Park
• Victoria Park in Nuwara Eliya

Conservation

The Sri Lanka Yellow-Eared Bulbul is considered to be a species of conservation concern, due to its limited distribution and habitat loss. The bird’s highland forest habitat is under threat from deforestation, agricultural expansion, and climate change. Efforts are underway to conserve the species through habitat restoration, protected area management, and public education initiatives.

Conclusion

The Sri Lanka Yellow-Eared Bulbul is a rare and beautiful bird that is endemic to Sri Lanka’s highland forests. With its distinctive black and white plumage and bright yellow ear patches, this bird is a favorite among bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. However, the bird’s limited distribution and habitat loss make it a species of conservation concern. By learning more about the Sri Lanka Yellow-Eared Bulbul’s habitat, diet, behavior, and conservation status, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of protecting this rare and valuable bird species.