The ACT Conservator, Ian Walker has called on all the residents of the Territory to be on the lookout for the red-whiskered bulbul after positive identification of the pest bird was confirmed in the Lanyon Valley area last month.
Mr Walker said the red-whiskered bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus) was not native to Australia and was considered both an environmental and an agricultural pest, as it competed with local native birds for food and predated on small reptiles and insects.
“It could also contribute to the spread of many invasive weeds, including blackberry, African boxthorn and privet,” Mr Walker said.
“In other areas of Australia, it has been recorded damaging fruit crops, such as figs, strawberries and pears, and poses a threat to other crops such as grapes and berries, which could affect local industry.”
He said the bird was deliberately introduced into Sydney and Melbourne in the 1800s and populations have since expanded, particularly northwards from Sydney.
“The nearest known established population is in the Illawarra region,” Mr Walker said.
He said the bulbul was considered highly likely to establish further populations in Australia if existing populations and new incursions were not managed.
“At this stage, we are not sure if the birds positively identified were escapees from birds held illegally in captivity or part of a broader feral population,” Mr Walker said.
“The last reported sighting of this bird in the ACT was in 2015.”
He said it was important to respond to an incursion of this pest bird species as early as possible before population numbers become difficult to manage.
Mr Walker said the bird is typically brown with a white neck, a distinctive red cheek patch and pointed black crest on its head; males and females are similar in colour.
He said their calls are best described as lively chatter interspersed with whistles.
Mr Walker said anyone who spots a red-whiskered bulbul could, if possible, provide a photo along with a location and time.
He said photos and any other information should be emailed to [email protected].
