8-11-2016 MANDALAY, MYANMAR - AYEYARWADDY BULBUL (Pycnonotus blanfordi)

The Ayeyarwady bulbul (Pycnonotus blanfordi ) is a member of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is endemic to Myanmar.Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. Until 2016, the Ayeyarwady bulbul was considered to be conspecific with the streak-eared bulbul (now Pycnonotus conradi ).

Ayeyarwady Bulbul has a tiny distribution in Thailand restricted to the western border. However, they can be quite numerous where found. Compared to the once conspecific Streak-eared Bulbul, the Ayeyarwady Bulbul differs by having paler sandy brown plumage with more well-defined streaks on the ear coverts and most importantly, crimson iris instead of bluish-grey.

Ayeyarwady Bulbul (Pycnonotus blanfordi)

Order: Pycnonotus blanfordi
Family: Bulbuls (Pycnonotidae)