About the Brown-eared Bulbul
The brown-eared bulbul is a medium-sized bulbul native to eastern Asia. It is extremely common within the northern parts of its range and can be found from southern Sakhalin to the northern Philippines.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
Reaching a length of about 28 cm (11 in), brown-eared bulbuls are grayish-brown, with brown cheeks (the "brown ears" of the common name) and a long tail. While they prefer forested areas, they readily adapt to urban and rural environments, and their noisy squeaking calls are a familiar sound in most areas of Japan. Flocks of brown-eared bulbuls produce loud "shreep" and "weesp" calls throughout the year. One author described the song of the brown-eared bulbul as "one of the most unattractive noises made by any bird".
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Russia.
When to see it
Peak activity in June · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Black BulbulHypsipetes leucocephalusThe black bulbul is 24–25 cm (9.4–9.8 in) in length, with a long tail.
Square-tailed BulbulHypsipetes ganeesaThe square-tailed bulbul lacks the black streak behind the eye and on the ear-coverts that is present in the black bulbul.
Philippine BulbulHypsipetes philippinusThe Philippine bulbul is a songbird species in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae.
Side by side: Black Bulbul vs Brown-eared Bulbul
Learn the Brown-eared Bulbul for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.