Udaipur : Scientists from the Wildlife Research Laboratory of the Department of Zoology, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, have discovered a new bird species, the White-browed Bulbul (Pycnonotus luteolus), from Rajasthan. This is the first record of this species in the state, and now there are a total of 4 species of bulbul in Rajasthan.
The bird was first seen on the banks of Udayasagar Lake on January 9, 2023, but could not be identified at that time. On March 17, 2023, a group of birds of the same species were seen again at the same place. This time, the scientists were able to take pictures and record the birds’ voices, which helped them to identify them as White-browed Bulbuls.
The White-browed Bulbul is a medium-sized songbird with a white supercilium above the eye and a white superciliary line from the nostrils separated from one below the eye by black pores. Its upper parts are olive-brown in colour and its wings are very pale yellow on the edges, giving a striped appearance. Male and female birds are similar in appearance.
This species is endemic to the lower half of Peninsular India and Sri Lanka. Its distribution in India is so far only in Southern India, with its northern borders being Gujarat (Ahmedabad), Madhya Pradesh (Satpura Range), and western West Bengal (near Midnapore). It is found in plains with dry open scrub and also in gardens and forests with dense scrub, but not in areas with heavy rainfall such as the hills of the Western Ghats.
The discovery of the White-browed Bulbul in Rajasthan is significant because it indicates that the species is expanding its range towards the north in the country. The presence of this species in Udaipur is also a good sign for wildlife and bird lovers.
The Wildlife Research Laboratory of Mohanlal Sukhadia University is a leading center for research on birds and other wildlife in Rajasthan. The discovery of the White-browed Bulbul is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the scientists at the laboratory.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.