Hunting down a pest
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (368514)
Rockingham, Australia
January 2, 2026 9:44pm CST
When I first saw a similar photo to this one in a news article I didn’t realise the red-whiskered bulbul is a pest in Australia. Authorities are hunting for an escaped individual in South Australia.
The birds are listed as an invasive species, causing damage to crops, spreading weeds and competing with native birds. These birds and other introduced species cause enormous damage to orchards in particular and efforts are being made to find and eliminate the red-whiskered bulbul.
Some orchards cover their trees with netting but this is very expensive. Crops can be attacked by birds during the day and by bats at night. They are found throughout Asia and are a popular cage bird in south-east Asia. They feed mostly on fruits and berries. It seems a shame that it is a pest when it is such a pretty bird.
Photo from Wikimedia Commons courtesy of Nafis Ameen.
15 people like this
14 responses
@Deepizzaguy (116967)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
3 Jan
That is true since the saying "Don't judge a book by its cover."
5 people like this
@crossbones27 (51914)
• Mojave, California
3 Jan
Little blastard using its looks to get ahead. Come on that was funny. It does just kind of look devious, but many animals do, including us. 
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (167105)
• United States
4 Jan
I agree with you. This bird looks striking and it is too bad it is an invasive species in Australia.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (368514)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Jan
It has established itself in several states but this is the first sighting in South Australia.
@luisadannointed (9677)
• Philippines
3 Jan
Beautifully dangerous.
Good looks can be deceiving.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (368514)
• Rockingham, Australia
3 Jan
Yes, that's very true. This is a very destructive bird.
@wolfgirl569 (127418)
• Marion, Ohio
3 Jan
It is pretty. Hope they can find them
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (127418)
• Marion, Ohio
22h
@JudyEv At least just one can't make more.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (368514)
• Rockingham, Australia
4h
@wolfgirl569 That's true so hopefully there isn't another one somewhere.
@RasmaSandra (92507)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
3 Jan
That is a beautiful bird. Sorry it makes a pest itself.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (368514)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Jan
It's so pretty. We don't have many with a crest like this one.
@LindaOHio (209900)
• United States
3 Jan
It's a pity that such a pretty bird is a pest.
1 person likes this
@thedevilinme (4594)
• Northampton, England
3 Jan
Of all the pests you have in Australia this one would be low down
1 person likes this
