English: The Himalayan Bulbul, a stunning avian species adorned with a cloudy crown, presents a captivating sight in the wild. Characterized by its greyish-brown plumage, this bulbul boasts conspicuous white cheeks that sharply contrast with its entirely black hood. While the mountain-dwelling variety sports a distinctive crest atop its head, those inhabiting the plains lack this striking feature.

One of the most striking features of the Himalayan Bulbul is its bright yellow undertail-coverts, which stand out against the bird's white underparts. Its black head and throat are accented by a bold white blaze below the eye, extending over the cheeks and onto the sides of the neck. The dull grey upperparts are complemented by darker flight feathers, while the black-brown tail feathers exhibit terminal white spots. The chest showcases a pale dusky-brown hue, while the underparts transition to a pale grey-buff, nearly grey-white on the rear flanks. A rich yellow vent adds a vibrant touch to its appearance.

This exquisite bird, with its red-brown eyes adorned by a narrow yellow eye ring, is further distinguished by its black bill and legs. Encountering the Himalayan Bulbul in its natural habitat is indeed a privilege, made possible by experienced birding guides like Pritam Dey, whose expertise has earned him recognition in the birdwatching community of West Bengal.

This was photographed at Mahananda, West Bengal, India