ACT conservator of flora and fauna Ian Walker said the bird was both an environmental and agricultural pest that competed with native birds for food, and posed a risk to small reptiles and insects.

He said it could also contribute to the spread of invasive weeds, and had been recorded damaging crops including figs, berries, pears and grapes in other areas of Australia.

Last month, a red-whiskered bulbul was positively identified in the Lanyon Valley area, marking the first sighting of the species in the ACT for three years.

“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.

“It’s 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 nearest known established population of red-whiskered bulbuls was in the Illawarra region.

The species, most commonly found in tropical parts of Asia, was introduced into Sydney and Melbourne in the 1800s and populations have since expanded, particularly north of Sydney.

Anyone who spotted a red-whiskered bulbul was asked to report it by calling Access Canberra on 13 22 81 or emailing EPSDinvasiveanimals@act.gov.au, and to provide a photo if possible, along with the location and time of the sighting.

Male and female species of the bird are typically brown with a white neck, a distinctive red cheek patch and a pointed black crest on its head.

Mr Walker described their calls as "lively chatter interspersed with whistles".

Mr Walker said anyone keeping a red-whiskered bulbul or any other prohibited and notifiable pest species as a pet could be fined up to $7500.

He said corporations faced a penalty of $37,500 for the same offence.