Brown-eared bulbul

The Brown-eared bulbul (Microscelis amaurotis) is a member of the Pycnonotidae family. In agricultural settings, it is recognized as a significant pest known for damaging fruit crops and commercial orchards in East Asia, often causing economic losses to farmers during the harvest season.

The diet of this species is largely frugivorous, which puts orchards at direct risk. They primarily consume berries, drupes, and pomes. Commercial crops such as grapes, cherries, persimmons, figs, and citrus fruits are particularly vulnerable to foraging flocks of these birds, especially when the fruits are ripening.

The life cycle and behavior of the Brown-eared bulbul are characterized by high territorial mobility. After the breeding season, which occurs in late spring and early summer, they form large, gregarious flocks. These flocks become highly destructive as they move across farmland, seeking easily accessible high-energy food sources provided by cultivated crops.

Damage caused by these birds is primarily mechanical. By pecking into fruit, they remove pulp and expose the flesh to rot, fungal diseases, and secondary infestations by insects. Such damage makes the harvest unsuitable for market sale or industrial processing. In some cases, the birds also damage buds and young shoots, negatively impacting the overall vitality of the plants.

Effective management strategies for minimizing bird damage include:

• Installing high-quality bird-proof netting to exclude access to fruits and berries.
• Using acoustic bird repellents that emit predator calls or distress signals to deter flocks.
• Deploying visual deterrents like flash tape, reflective discs, and artificial predators to disrupt bird feeding patterns.
• Implementing integrated management practices, such as timely harvesting to reduce the exposure window of the crop.