Abstract
The White-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus leucotis (Gould, 1836) (Passeriformes Pycnonotidae) is a predominantly resident passerine distributed across southwestern Asia, from the Indian subcontinent through Pakistan, southern Afghanistan and Iran to Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. Although the species has been introduced and subsequently established in several Gulf countries, including Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, it has not previously been documented from Libya. Here, we report the first documented occurrence of P. leucotis in Libya, based on a photographic record obtained on 30 July 2026 in Telbigha, Souq Al-Jumaa Municipality, Libya and repeated observations were reported from the same locality during the first week of August 2026. The occurrence of P. leucotis is not included among the bird species documented for Libya in the major national avifaunal references. Given the species’ largely sedentary ecology and the considerable geographical distance from its established native range, natural colonization through regular migration appears unlikely. A human-mediated origin, particularly escape or deliberate release from captivity associated with the ornamental-bird trade, therefore represents a plausible explanation. Continued monitoring is recommended to determine whether the species persists, reproduces or expands its range in Libya. This record highlights the importance of documenting newly appearing nonnative birds and establishing early-warning surveillance systems for potentially introduced species.