Juvenile The Red-whiskered Bulbul

 The Red-whiskered Bulbul (pycnonotus jocosus) is a familiar and charismatic bird in Bengaluru's gardens, known for its distinctive crest and cheerful calls. Its young, like those of many songbirds, undergo a rapid development from helpless nestlings to independent fledglings.

Juvenile Red-whiskered Bulbuls initially lack the vibrant adult coloration. The most noticeable difference is the absence of the prominent red patch behind the eye, which gives the adult its name. While adults have a striking red vent area, juveniles have a duller, rufous-orange coloration there. They possess the characteristic pointed black crest, though it might appear slightly shorter or less defined than in adults. As they mature, juvenile males gradually develop the adult male's more vibrant red "whiskers" and vent, as well as the full black crest.