Buff-vented Bulbul vs Ashy Bulbul

In short

The Buff-vented Bulbul and Ashy Bulbul can be distinguished by the color of their undertail coverts and overall plumage tone. Buff-vented Bulbul has pale buff undertail coverts with brown centers, while Ashy Bulbul has a more uniform ashy-gray appearance. Both species are bulbuls, so they share a similar structure.

Identification tips

1. Check the undertail coverts: Buff-vented has pale buff with brown centers; Ashy is more uniformly ashy-gray. 2. Consider the overall plumage tone: Buff-vented appears less uniform compared to the Ashy Bulbul. 3. Be cautious in areas of sympatry with Olive Bulbul, which has cinnamon-tinged undertail coverts.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of bulbuls, with no significant size difference noted.

Plumage

Buff-vented Bulbul has pale buff undertail coverts with brown centers, contrasting with the Ashy Bulbul's more uniform ashy-gray plumage. Look for the cinnamon-tinged undertail coverts in Olive Bulbul, which can be confused with Buff-vented Bulbul.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit typical bulbul behavior, often seen foraging in the canopy or mid-levels of forests.

Habitat

Both species can be found in forested areas, but Buff-vented Bulbul is more likely in the northern Thai-Malay Peninsula, where it overlaps with Olive Bulbul.

Voice

Vocalizations are not detailed here, but bulbuls generally have varied and melodious calls. Specific differences between these species' calls are not noted.