The red-whiskered bulbul is one of two types of bulbul that can be spotted on Oʻahu.
"Whiskered" is a bit of a misnomer, but this bulbul does have bright red patches on its face. These rosy-cheeks help distinguish it from its cousin, the red-vented bulbul.
Though not quite as big troublemakers as red-vented bulbuls, red-whiskered bulbuls are considered "injurious wildlife."
They are agricultural pests that feed on vegetable, fruit and flower crops, and they are known to spread invasive seeds.
Both species of bulbul are currently contained to Oʻahu, though several red-vented bulbul sightings have been reported on Hawaiʻi Island.
If you see either bulbul on a neighbor island, report it to your local invasive species committee.
Audio credit: Sam Hambly, Xeno Canto (XC912725)
