This individual is wet from bathing and shows the hair-like feathers on the nape characteristic of the Bulbul family (Pycnonotidae).
Brown-eared Bulbul is sometimes placed in the genus Microscelis (e.g."Birds of East Asia" by Brazil) and sometimes in the genus Ixos. The latest version of the Clements checklist reverts the genus to Hypsipetes as in older field guides.
Up to 14 subspecies have been recognized with northern birds being larger and grayer and southern populations (mostly on small islands) being smaller and browner. The is the large gray nominate race, a widespread resident in most of Japan.
Digiscoped with Panasonic DMC-LZ5 | Nikon FieldScope III | 30XWA | hand-held (no adapter)