The light-vented bulbul

A light-vented bulbul is seen among sunflowers at OCT Farm in Guangming District in this file photo. Photos by Isaac Cohen

The light-vented bulbul

With an average size of 19 centimeters and an average weight of only 40 grams, the light-vented bulbul (Pycnonotus sinensis) has made China its preferred home. Although it can be found in other countries including South Korea and Vietnam, it is in China that this bird has found its paradise and is most widely distributed.

白头鹎，平均体长19厘米，体重仅40克，为中国、韩国、越南等地区性常见留鸟，且栖息于中国的种群数量最为丰富。

A light-vented bulbul rests on a tree branch in Honey Park in Futian District in this file photo. 

This bird has a black crown with visible white patches on top and on both cheeks. The black crown starts fading near the back, turning into a light gray that blends with delicate olive green feathers that adorn its beautiful wings. The throat is white, which turns grayish over the chest and even lighter on the belly. The tail is relatively long, covered in olive-colored feathers.

白头鹎头顶黑色，脸颊至枕部为白色，黑色的顶冠至背部颜色渐淡，转为浅灰并逐渐与躯干及双翼的橄榄绿色覆羽融为一体。喉白色，胸浅灰色，腹部则为污白色，尾部较长，尾羽亦为橄榄色。

Well adapted to human environments, this bird can be found throughout Shenzhen, even in the most densely populated areas of the city.

这种鸟类对人类社会的适应能力极强，在深圳的每个角落——包括人口最密集的地方，你都能找到它们的身影。

A light-vented bulbul rests on a tree branch in Honey Park in Futian District in this file photo. 

Its distinctive call can be heard year round, usually echoing those of other bulbul species, most commonly the red-whiskered bulbuls.

此外，它们极具辨识度的鸣声亦全年可闻。白头鹎喜欢回应其他鸟类尤其是红耳鹎的叫声，形成一场大合唱。

This animal feeds mainly on fruits and buds, but it is common to see them chasing and consuming flying insects.

白头鹎主要以果实、花蕾等植物性食物为食，有时亦在空中捕食昆虫。

A light-vented bulbul rests on a tree branch in Bao'an District in this file photo. 

The breeding season starts in spring and lasts until the end of autumn. They are able to nest at least three times a year, laying up to four eggs per clutch.

白头鹎每年春季开始求偶，繁殖期将一直持续到秋末。每对亲鸟每年至少繁殖三次，每窝产卵可达4枚。

This fascinating bird is one of the most conspicuous species in our city. Let´s keep working to preserve their habitats so that we, and our children too, can enjoy them in the years to come.

让我们和我们的下一代一起行动起来，共同保护好这种深圳最常见的鸟类的家园，让它们继续在我们的城市里繁衍生息。