How to identify the Brown-eared Bulbul

To correctly identify the Brown-eared Bulbul (Hypsipetes amaurotis), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

27-29 cm

Wingspan

38-42 cm

Weight

50-80 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults have a dark grey-brown body plumage, often appearing almost blackish, with a slightly paler belly. The most striking feature is the prominent reddish-brown ear-coverts, which contrast with the dark head. The nape and hindneck are streaked with white, giving a somewhat scaly appearance. The wings and tail are dark brown, sometimes with a faint greenish or olive tinge, especially on the flight feathers. The undertail coverts are typically a rufous-brown.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   The beak is relatively slender, slightly decurved, and sharply pointed. It is dark grey to blackish.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dark grey to blackish.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The combination of dark overall plumage, prominent reddish-brown ear-coverts, and white streaking on the nape are key identification features. Its relatively large size for a bulbul also stands out.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are generally duller than adults, with less distinct brown ear-coverts and often a more uniform brownish-grey plumage. The white streaking on the nape may be less pronounced or absent. Their plumage can appear softer and less defined.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   There are no significant seasonal plumage changes. The plumage remains consistent throughout the year.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are monomorphic in plumage, appearing identical. There are no discernible visual differences between the sexes.

Key field marks

• Ear-coverts. Look for the distinctive reddish-brown patch covering the ear region. This is the most reliable field mark.
• Nape streaking. Observe the white streaking on the nape and hindneck, which gives a scaly appearance against the dark plumage.
• Overall color. Note the dark, dusky grey-brown body plumage, which can appear almost blackish in certain light conditions.
• Size and shape. It's a relatively large bulbul with a somewhat long tail and a slender, slightly decurved bill.
• Vocalizations. Listen for its loud, chattering, and often harsh calls, especially when in flocks. Its noisy nature is a strong indicator.

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