Hello, everyone! Today, let’s introduce a bird that quietly accompanies our daily lives – the Brown-Eared Bulbul.
The Brown-Eared Bulbul belongs to the bulbul family in the order Passeriformes and inhabits a wide range of areas, from forests to urban environments. This small bird is about 28 cm in length and can stretch its wings up to 40 cm wide. While it can be seen all over Japan, globally, it is found only in limited regions like Japan and Southeast Asia.
The Brown-Eared Bulbul’s diet is incredibly varied, eating everything from insects to fruits and even nectar from flowers. Its flight, particularly similar to that of the Japanese White-Eye, is beautiful, alternating between flapping and gliding in a wavelike pattern, which is a secret to conserving energy and flying long distances efficiently.
It makes a high-pitched sound, sometimes perceived as noise in urban areas. This is one of its charming characteristics!
Surprisingly, the Brown-Eared Bulbul also has a migratory aspect. Some travel long distances from Hokkaido to southern Honshu, while others stay in the same place all year round. In winter, they can be seen migrating southward in large flocks.
Another significant role of the Brown-Eared Bulbul is its symbiosis with plants. By feeding on nectar, they transport pollen, and by eating fruits, they spread seeds over a wide area. Thus, the Brown-Eared Bulbul subtly contributes to our environment.
The familiar sound of “Hiyo, Hiyo” often heard on city streets is proof that the Brown-Eared Bulbul is living vibrantly near us. Next time you hear this sound, try looking for them. You’ll surely be amazed to find such charming creatures in the nature around us.
