Red-whiskered bulbul
Background
Red-whiskered bulbuls were deliberately released in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria and now have established populations all along the east coast.
In 2016, a small population was found in the wild in the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges region of South Australia. Sightings occurred at Houghton, Inglewood, Cudlee Creek, and Mount Torrens. This population was successfully eradicated.
It is illegal to keep, transport, sell or release red-whiskered bulbuls in South Australia under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019.
Impacts
Red-whiskered bulbuls are a serious pest bird that:
- damage fruit in commercial orchards and home gardens
- spread weeds
- compete with native bird species.
Identification
Red-whiskered bulbul are the size of sparrows with an erect black crest and red cheek patch. They are distinct in appearance from native South Australian birds.
Learn about the jerky movements and loud distinctive calls of red-whiskered bulbul:
Report red-whiskered bulbul
The red-whiskered bulbul has not yet become established in South Australia. To make sure this doesn’t happen report all suspected sightings.