What kind of bird is Light-vented Bulbul? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. It is a very cute bird, smaller than the bulbul. It got its name because its head is very white. This bird can be seen mainly in Japan, and can be observed throughout Okinawa.
What is Light-vented Bulbul? About basic status
The white-bellied cicada is a bird classified in the Bulbulidae family. The total length is only 19 cm, making it a very cute bird. Its scientific name is Pycnonotus sinensis, and in Taiwan it is called bald goose. We will introduce the information in a list.
| Japanese（和名） | シロガシラ |
| English（英名） | Light-vented Bulbul |
| scientific name(学名) | Pycnonotus sinensis |
| classification（分類） | Ave、 Passeriformes、Pycnonotidae、Pycnonotus 鳥綱、スズメ目、ヒヨドリ科、シロガシラ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Length（全長） | 19cm |
| Weight（体重） | 0.5kg |
Taxonomy of the Japanese White-headed Starling
| 分類階層 | 名称 |
|---|---|
| 界 (Kingdom) | Animalia（動物界） |
| 門 (Phylum) | Chordata（脊索動物門） |
| 綱 (Class) | Aves（鳥綱） |
| 目 (Order) | Passeriformes（スズメ目） |
| 科 (Family) | Sturnidae（ムクドリ科） |
| 属 (Genus) | Sturnus（ムクドリ属） |
| 種 (Species) | Sturnus sinensis（シロガシラ） |
About habitat
White-crowned nighttails can be found in Okinawa, Japan, and even in Taiwan.
- Global Distribution
Live mainly in East Asia
China, Taiwan, and the southern part of the Korean Peninsula
In Japan, they are established in the Ryukyu Islands (including the Okinawa Islands)
Some species may even migrate to Southeast Asia
- Distribution within Japan
Main habitat: Ryukyu Islands, including Okinawa Island, the Amami Islands, and the Yaeyama Islands
Rarely seen in Honshu or Hokkaido, they are restricted to warmer southern regions
Adapted to live in urban areas and farmland
Found on power lines, street trees, gardens, and parks
- Habitat Characteristics
Cities and residential areas: Adapted to human habitation
Farmlands and orchards: Used for feeding on insects and fruit
Forest edges and woodlands: Nest in tree cavities and treetops during the breeding season
Flock life: In winter, they travel in small flocks of several dozen birds
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The Shirogashira got its name from the white top of its head. It is closely related to bulbuls, and its main characteristic is that it has a beautiful cry similar to that of thrushes. The back is dark olive and the underside is white. This bird prefers to live in bushes, on trees, on power lines, around forests, and in green spaces. It is a resident bird.
- Appearance
Body Shape/Size
Body Length: Approximately 23 cm (medium-sized starling)
Body Type: Slightly larger than a sparrow, with a sturdy build
Feather Color
Head: Whitish, with a distinctive “white head” as its name suggests
Back/Wings: Grayish-brown to dark brown
Belly: Light gray
Tail: Slightly short and rounded
Head/Bill/Eyes
Bill: Black and slightly thick
Eyes: Dark
Overall coloration is subdued, but the white head stands out.
- Ecology & Behavior
Diet
Omnivorous
Insects (adults and larvae), spiders, earthworms
Also eats fruits, seeds, rice, and other fruit
Foraging Methods:
Pecks on the ground
Preys on fruits and insects in trees
Behavior & Habits
Often lives in flocks
Forms small flocks of several dozen birds in winter
Flight:
Nimble and fast, they fly in coordinated groups
Calls:
Similar to starlings, with slightly less vocal variation
Breeding
Builds nests in tree hollows or crevices in buildings
Nesting materials include grass and feathers
Egg size per clutch: 4-6 eggs
Sociality
Highly social, they stay in flocks to ensure safety
Adapted to human habitats such as cities and farmlands
- Lifestyle Characteristics
Breeding Season: Spring to early summer, nesting in tree holes or buildings
Winter: Forms flocks and lives in farmland, cities, and parks
Adaptability: Able to live in temperate and urban environments
What does the ecology look like?
White-bellied beetles live by eating insects and fruits. The reproductive form is oviparous. They lay 3 to 4 eggs at a time from March to September every year. It is said that the lifespan of the white-tailed grass is about 10 years.
- Diet and Foraging Behavior
Omnivorous Bird
Insects (adults and larvae), spiders, earthworms, and other small animals
Also eats fruits, seeds, rice, and vegetables
Foraging Methods
Pecks on the ground
May also hunt for fruit and insects in trees
Forages in Flocks
In winter, they travel in flocks of several dozen birds to efficiently search for food
- Breeding
Breeding Season: Spring to Early Summer (April to July)
Nest Building
Nests in tree cavities, crevices in buildings, and nest boxes
Nesting Materials: Grass and feathers
Eggs and Incubation
Egg Number: Approximately 4-6 per breeding
Incubation Period: Approximately 12-14 days (female incubates)
Chick Rearing
Parents bring food until the chicks leave the nest
They leave the nest at about 2 weeks of age and gradually begin learning to fly
- Flocking and Sociality
They form small to medium-sized flocks (of about a few dozen birds) in winter.
They forage and rest in flocks to ensure safety.
They are well adapted to human habitations, such as urban areas and farmlands.
- Migration
The Japanese White-crowned Crane is a resident or partially migratory bird.
They are almost resident in the Ryukyu Islands.
They may migrate seasonally at their northern limit and in some areas.
They often fly in coordinated flocks.
- Habitat Adaptation
Cities and residential areas: Street trees, power lines, gardens, etc.
Farmlands and orchards: Feed on insects and fruit.
Forest edges and woodlands: Use for nesting during the breeding season.
They have a flexible environmental adaptability, allowing them to live in human habitations.
Are there any natural enemies?
The white-bellied beetle is a very small bird, so its natural enemies are larger birds.
About Sturnus sinensis Chicks
This article provides a detailed overview of the characteristics and ecology of Sturnus sinensis chicks (young birds).
- Birth and Nest
Hatching Period: Spring to Early Summer (Breeding Season, April to July)
Number of Eggs: Approximately 4-6 per clutch
Incubation Period: Approximately 12-14 days (female incubates)
Nests: Built in tree hollows, crevices in buildings, or nest boxes
- Appearance (Chick Feathers)
Plumage Color: Newly hatched, fluffy down feathers
Grayish-brown to pale brown, sometimes with mottled patterns
Dull coloring protects them from predators
Body Shape: Small and round, but with a strong beak and eyes, and capable of pecking for food from their parents
- Behavior and Development
Parental Care: After hatching, the parents feed them and protect the nest.
Foraging Practice: Within a few days of birth, they begin practicing pecking for food with their beaks.
Fledge: They leave the nest at approximately two weeks of age and initially fly low.
Flocking Behavior: Even after fledging, they may form small flocks with siblings or nearby young birds.
- Growth Stages
0-2 Weeks: They are protected by their parents in the nest, wrapped in down and fed. Around 2 Weeks: They begin to leave the nest and practice foraging by flying low. 3-4 Weeks: Their plumage approaches that of an adult, improving their flight ability. Over 1 Month of Age: They join the flock independently and are fully adapted to foraging and flight.
- Biological Characteristics
From the chick stage, they develop foraging and flight abilities while receiving parental protection.
They rely on the nest and flock for protection from predators.
They learn their omnivorous habits from the behavior of their parents.
Is the white beetle an endangered species?
The white-bellied beetle is not an endangered species. In fact, they tend to destroy crops and are even exterminated as pests.
- International Status (IUCN)
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC)
Reason:
Wide distribution range and relatively large population
No significant declines have been reported
- Status in Japan
Not listed as endangered in Japan
Distributed primarily in the Ryukyu Islands (Okinawa, Amami, and Yaeyama Islands), where populations are stable
Localized habitat loss due to urban development and deforestation has occurred, but overall population decline is not expected
- Conservation Considerations
Capturing and destruction of nests may be prohibited (e.g., under the Wildlife Protection Act)
Habitat conservation in the Ryukyu Islands is important for maintaining populations in the future.
Can white beetles be kept as pets?
Breeding Shirogashira can be difficult. They don’t feel attached to humans. Please take a look at the photos and images posted on the internet and in the community.
- Can They Be Raised?
The Japanese white-crowned crested cricket is a wild bird and is generally not sold as a pet.
In Japan, capturing wild individuals is prohibited (under the Wildlife Protection Act), so as a general rule, they cannot be kept as pets.
Keeping is limited to individuals born in breeding farms or those with permission.
- Difficulties of Raising
A highly social bird that lives in groups.
Keeping them alone can easily cause stress.
They have an omnivorous, wide-ranging diet, so dietary management is required.
They require a balanced diet of insects, fruit, and seeds.
They have high flying ability and require a lot of exercise.
They require a large cage and an environment where they can fly around.
They have a wide variety of calls and are noisy.
They are difficult to raise in urban homes.
- Overall Evaluation
Japanese white-crowned crested crickets are not suitable as pets.
Keeping them requires specialized knowledge and equipment, making them impractical for an average household.
It is safer and more suitable to observe them in the wild than to keep them as pets.
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