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Endemic Species White-whiskered Laughingthrush
Yellow Tit
Endemic Sub-Species
White-browed Shortwing
More Birds in Taiwan
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Brown-eared Bulbul Microscelis amaurotis harterti Endemic subspecies
The Brown-eared Bulbul (28 cm) is a large, noisy and conspicuous bulbul. Its back, wings and tail are grayish brown, its underparts are richer brown, the Taiwan race having a dark rufous breast. The breast is finely spotted and streaked pale gray. The head, nape and throat are heavily streaked grayish, and the ear patch and sides of the neck are chestnut. The bill and feet are black. The elongated, pointed feathers on the head form a slight crest. Sexes are similar. The Brown-eared Bulbul makes a variety of calls such as loud “shreep”, “weesp”, and “peet, peet” notes. In summer it frequents deciduous, mixed and evergreen forests in lowlands and foothills, to about 1600 meters. In winter, it may be found in agricultural country, parks and gardens.
The Brown-eared Bulbul eats a variety of fruits, berries and leafy vegetables and sometimes insects. It normally occurs in groups outside the breeding season, which is generally April to July. The female usually lays four eggs in a sturdy, cup-shaped nest, placed in the lower branches of a tree. The Brown-eared Bulbul is now a rare resident in the southern tip of Taiwan (Taitung and Kenting), but is still common on Lanyu Island.
References: Handbook of Birds of the World Vol. 10; A Field Guide to the Birds of China (Mackinnon and Phillipps); www.orientalbirdclub.org |
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