RED-WHISKERED BULBUL (PYCNONOTUS JOCOSUS) IN CHIANG MAI

Abstract

Red-whiskered bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus) occur everywhere in Chiang Mai especially near houses even on Doi Suthep and Doi Inthanon. They are group-foragers which feed on fruits and many types of food. The breeding period is February-August. The cup shaped nest is built in low bushes. The bird lays the first egg as soon as the nest is finished. The second egg is layed the following day to make clutch of two. Brooding is done by females only for 13 days. The first chick to hatch weighs 4.5 grams (n = 3). The young fledge at the age of 11-12 days. The method of nest building consists of 5 stages ie. gathering nesting materials, weaving from outside to inside, weaving from inside to outside, fluffing up the floor of the nest using the feet and beak. The birds communicate by posturing especially by changing the crest shape and by calling in several different ways. The change of crest shape and the calls are descriped.