The Brown-eared Bulbul may be a familiar bird to many of you. Its distinctive “Hiyo, Hiyo” call and gray feathers are a common presence in our lives. However, these birds actually embark on a remarkable journey.
Every year, from mid-October to early November, massive flocks of Brown-eared Bulbuls can be observed migrating from north to south across various locations, including the Tsugaru Strait and the Kanmon Strait. Their southward migration in autumn attracts considerable attention due to its scale.
A characteristic of the Brown-eared Bulbul’s migration is their undulating flight pattern, resembling waves. On clear mornings, groups ranging from a few to several hundred birds migrate in this unique way. One of their distinct behaviors is flying just above the sea surface to evade predators like peregrine falcons. The way the flock morphs and undulates during flight is often likened to “dragons ascending to the heavens,” leading to the term “dragon migration.”
In the Tsugaru Strait, a single flock can number up to two thousand birds, and in the Kanmon Strait, flocks exceeding one thousand have been observed. This impressive large-scale migration reveals a surprising aspect of the Brown-eared Bulbul. In spring, they also migrate from Kyushu to Honshu, playing the role of a “harbinger of spring.”
Watching the familiar Brown-eared Bulbul during this special period can be a wonderful experience. On an autumn morning, take a moment to look up at the sky. You might just encounter the lively, migrating Brown-eared Bulbuls.
