Black Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone atrocaudata)

Notable for its long tail feathers and striking black and white coloration, this flycatcher is a joy to watch in flight.

Distinctive Appearance: The Black Paradise Flycatcher, also known as Sankōchō in Japan, is notable for its long tail, especially in males, which can be twice the body length. Males are 35-45 cm long with black-violet heads and bright blue eye rings, while females are smaller (17-18 cm) with dark brown plumage and no extended tail feathers.

Habitat and Range: This species breeds in Japan, particularly in Shizuoka Prefecture, and inhabits moist forests in hilly and mountainous regions. It is also found in southern and southeastern Asia, including Korea, Taiwan, and the northern Philippines. In winter, it migrates to warmer areas like the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra.

Diet and Foraging: The Black Paradise Flycatcher feeds mainly on insects, catching them mid-flight with its agile movements. Its diet includes flies, beetles, and moths, supplemented by small fruits and berries.

Breeding: The breeding season is from May to July. Both parents share incubation duties, which last 12-14 days, and the chicks fledge 8-12 days after hatching.

Conservation Status: Habitat loss due to deforestation has led to a decline in population, particularly in eastern China. Conservation efforts are needed to protect this species from further decline.

Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus)

With its distinctive long tail and fluffy appearance, the long-tailed tit is a charming sight in the forests of Japan. This little bird is a big star in Japan and has fans on all the Japanese islands. It is a popular target for photography and birdwatching. The Japanese often say "Kawaii" (cute) when they see it. You will also find fan merchandise such as T-shirts with the little bird on them, that's how popular it is.

Distinctive Appearance: The Long-tailed Tit is a small bird, 13-16 cm long, with a notably long tail and a fluffy, round body. It weighs between 6 and 10 grams. Males and females look similar, though their plumage can vary by region, with some having darker heads and others white.

Habitat and Range: Found in deciduous and mixed forests, as well as parks, the Long-tailed Tit is a resident bird throughout the year. It builds its nests in dense undergrowth using moss, plant fibers, and feathers.

Diet and Foraging: This bird primarily eats small insects and arthropods, including their larvae and eggs. It forages on the outer branches of trees and adapts its diet seasonally, adding seeds and berries in winter.

Breeding: The breeding season is from June to September. Both parents help build the nest and feed the chicks, which fledge in about 8–12 days.
Conservation Status: The Long-tailed Tit is not endangered, thanks to its adaptable diet and habitat preferences.

Photography Tips: Use a lens of 400 mm or longer for the best shots. The Long-tailed Tit is easy to photograph, especially in parks and forests.

Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius)

Often found in rocky coastal areas, this thrush's deep blue plumage is truly captivating.

Distinctive Appearance: The Blue Rock Thrush, at 20 cm long and weighing about 50 grams, is known for its striking blue-black plumage in males and grayish-black with lighter spots in females. This sexual dimorphism makes it easy to distinguish between the sexes.

Habitat and Range: Found year-round in Japan and either migratory or resident in Europe, this bird thrives in mountainous areas, rocky coastlines, and ruins. It prefers elevated spots to survey its surroundings.

Diet and Foraging: Primarily insectivorous, the Blue Rock Thrush hunts beetles, flies, and butterflies from high perches. It also eats berries and fruits, often foraging close to water sources where it bathes regularly.

Breeding: Nesting in rocky crevices, the Blue Rock Thrush lays four to five eggs in May. The incubation period is about 12-13 days, and chicks fledge after 18 days. Both parents care for the young.

Observation Tips: To spot this bird, look in mountainous regions and along rocky coasts. Its melodious song is a good indicator of its presence. Use binoculars for a closer look.

Photography Tips: A lens of at least 400 mm is recommended. Though moderately challenging to photograph, their habit of perching on high vantage points provides good opportunities.

Conservation Status: The Blue Rock Thrush is not endangered, thanks to its adaptability and varied diet, which support stable populations across its range.

White-bellied green pigeon (Treron sieboldii)

This striking pigeon is known for its bright-green plumage. The name “White-bellied Green Pigeon” is misleading, as the white belly is not as noticeable as the light green feathers. It inhabits forested areas in East Asia and primarily feeds on fruits and berries. A unique feature is that during the breeding season, it flies to the sea to drink saltwater, performing breathtaking aerial maneuvers to avoid the high waves.

Distinctive Appearance: Siebold's Green Pigeon is a medium-sized bird, around 33 cm long and weighing between 180 and 250 grams. Males have yellow heads and chests, cream-colored bellies, and dark red wings, while females are uniformly olive-colored.

Habitat and Range: Found in Japan, China, and Taiwan, this pigeon lives year-round on the Japanese islands of Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa. It migrates seasonally in other regions. Preferring deciduous and mixed forests, it moves to coastal areas in summer for minerals and food.

Diet and Foraging: The pigeon primarily eats fruits and seeds. Unique to this species is its coastal migration to drink seawater for essential salts and minerals. At the coast, they perform “tail dipping” immersing their tails in seawater, though the reason for this behavior is unclear.

Breeding: In June, Siebold's Green Pigeons build saucer-shaped nests in trees and lay two white eggs. Breeding behavior has only been documented in Japan, discovered post-World War II.

Observation Tips: Look for these pigeons in forests or coastal areas during their seasonal migrations. Their distinct "Ao-Ao" call can help locate them. Patience and binoculars are essential for spotting these elusive birds.

Photography Tips: Use a lens of at least 600 mm for the best shots. Photographing these birds is challenging due to their shy nature and dense habitats.
Conservation Status: Siebold's Green Pigeon is not endangered, but habitat protection is crucial for their continued survival.

Steller's Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus)

One of the largest eagles in the world, the Steller's sea eagle is a powerful predator found in Japan's northern regions. In the area of the Shiretoko National Park, you will find hundreds of these birds during the winter time, as they winter in Japan.

Distinctive Appearance: The Steller's Sea Eagle is an imposing bird and the largest sea eagle in the world, with a wingspan reaching up to 2.8 meters. It measures between 85 and 105 cm in length and weighs between 5 and 9 kg, with females generally larger and heavier than males. Its plumage is predominantly dark brown or black, with a white head, neck, and tail. The beak and talons are strong and yellow, complementing its piercing yellow-brown eyes.

Habitat and Range: This majestic eagle is native to East Asia, found in regions such as the Russian Far East, Japan, Korea, and China. It inhabits areas near water bodies like rivers, lakes, and coastal regions. In Japan, particularly in Hokkaido, it is commonly seen during the winter months. In Russia, it is present year-round, though it migrates seasonally.

Diet and Hunting: The Steller's Sea Eagle primarily feeds on fish, but it also consumes carrion and other birds. It is an adept hunter, utilizing its powerful beak and talons to catch and consume its prey. This eagle plays a vital role in its ecosystem as both a predator and scavenger.

Conservation Status: Despite its formidable presence, the Steller's Sea Eagle faces threats from habitat loss, pollution, and illegal trade. Conservation measures have been implemented in countries like Japan, Russia, China, and South Korea to protect this species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the Steller's Sea Eagle as vulnerable.

Observation Tips: To watch the Steller's Sea Eagle, visit areas near lakes, seas, and rivers in Hokkaido, Japan, during winter. These locations offer prime opportunities to see these eagles in action, hunting and soaring above the water.

Photography Tips: Capturing images of the Steller's Sea Eagle can be challenging due to its elusive nature. A lens of at least 600 mm is recommended to get detailed shots from a distance. Patience and timing are essential, especially in their natural hunting grounds near water bodies.

Warbling White-eye (Zosterops japonicus)

This small, agile bird, known for its distinctive white eye-ring and olive-green plumage, thrives in various habitats across East Asia, feeding on nectar, fruits, and insects.

Distinctive Appearance: The Warbling White-eye, also known as the Japanese White-eye, is a small, round bird measuring between 10 and 11.5 cm in length and weighing 9 to 13 grams. It features a green or grayish-green back, a white underside, and a pale gray chest. Its short, slightly forked tail and the prominent white ring around its eye give this bird its distinctive name. The bird has a black, slightly curved bill.

Habitat and Range: This adaptable bird is native to East Asia, found in Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan. It inhabits a variety of environments, including deciduous and evergreen forests, gardens, parks, and agricultural areas. The Warbling White-eye thrives in both dry regions with as little as 25 cm of annual rainfall and in rainforests receiving up to 760 cm of rainfall.

Diet and Foraging: The Warbling White-eye has a diverse diet consisting of fruits, nectar, and insects. It is known for its energetic and agile flight, often seen flitting among branches and flowers to forage. This bird plays a significant role in pollination due to its frequent nectar consumption.

Breeding: The breeding season typically spans from March to July. The Warbling White-eye builds small, cup-shaped nests in trees or shrubs. A typical clutch consists of 2-5 eggs, with both parents sharing the duties of incubation and feeding the chicks.

Observation Tips: To observe the Warbling White-eye, look in areas with abundant vegetation such as gardens, forests, and parks in Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan. Their active behavior and distinctive calls make them relatively easy to spot. Binoculars are recommended for a closer look at their detailed plumage and feeding habits.

Photography Tips: Capturing good photos of the Warbling White-eye requires patience and a lens of at least 600 mm. The bird’s quick movements and small size present a moderate challenge for photographers.

Conservation Status: The Warbling White-eye is not currently considered endangered. Its ability to adapt to a wide range of environments helps maintain stable populations across its range. However, continued habitat preservation is important to ensure the species remains healthy and thriving.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)

The Whooper Swan is a large, elegant bird with a wingspan of up to 2 meters and striking white plumage. Found from Iceland and Scandinavia to Siberia, it migrates southward in winter.

Description: The Whooper Swan, or Cygnus cygnus, measures 145 to 150 cm in length and weighs between 7 and 12 kg. Its long, slender neck and pure white feathers give it an elegant appearance. It has a black bill and legs with a yellow base on the bill. This species breeds mainly in the taiga regions of Eastern Europe and Siberia and can be seen in Central Europe during autumn and winter.

Habitat and Range: Whooper Swans prefer shallow freshwater lakes, marshes, and riverine wetlands. During their stay in Japan, they can often be found in areas with abundant aquatic vegetation, which provides both food and shelter. In colder months, when inland water bodies freeze, these swans may also be spotted in coastal estuaries and bays, where the water remains unfrozen. In winter, you can also find Whooper Swans frequenting the coastal areas and lowlands in Northern Germany, and there are recent reports of sporadic breeding in Central Europe. They begin migrating in October and return to their breeding grounds by March.

Diet and Foraging: Whooper Swans primarily eat aquatic plants, grasses, and roots. Unlike Mute Swans, they prefer natural wetlands and fields of rapeseed over agricultural lands.

Breeding: Nesting in the Siberian taiga, the female lays 5–6 eggs in April or May, which she incubates alone. The gray-brown cygnets are cared for by both parents and can fly after 90 days. They remain with their family through the winter.

Observation Tips: To watch Whooper Swans, visit lakes, rivers, and coastal regions in Iceland, Scandinavia, and Siberia. They are easy to photograph with a lens of at least 200 mm.

Conservation Status: The Whooper Swan is not endangered, but habitat preservation is crucial for maintaining healthy populations.

Brown-eared Bulbul (Hypsipetes amaurotis)

Known for its loud calls and adaptability, the brown-eared bulbul is a familiar bird in both urban and rural settings. You will hear and see it on most of the islands in Japan throughout the whole year.

Distinctive Appearance: The Brown-eared Bulbul, measuring about 28 cm in length and weighing between 30–35 grams, is a medium-sized bird with a grayish-brown body, brown cheeks, and a long, slightly forked tail. Its most notable feature is the white eye-ring that gives it a distinctive look. Males and females look similar, although males might display slightly brighter colors during the breeding season.

Habitat and Range: Native to East Asia, the Brown-eared Bulbul is found from southern Sakhalin to the northern Philippines, including Japan, China, Korea, and Taiwan. It prefers wooded areas and fields with fruit but easily adapts to urban and rural environments, making it a common sight in gardens, parks, and forests.

Diet and Foraging: Their diet includes various fruits, tree nuts, flowers, nectar, insects, as well as small prey such as chicks and lizards.

Behavior and Calls: Known for its loud, squeaky calls, the Brown-eared Bulbul is a vocal bird often heard before it is seen. Its calls include various sharp, chattering notes.

Breeding and Nesting: The Brown-eared Bulbul is monogamous and breeds from May to September, often attempting two to three breeding cycles due to frequent predation of earlier nests. While rare, successful multiple breeding in a single season have been recorded.

Nest Construction: They build small, bowl-shaped nests (6-10 cm in diameter, 3-6 cm deep) in dense foliage at heights of 1-15 meters. The nests are constructed with twigs, ivies, fine grass stalks, and roots, although urban bulbuls may incorporate plastic strings into the exterior.

Incubation and Fledging: Females primarily incubate the eggs for 12–14 days. Both parents care for the chicks, which fledge about ten days after hatching but remain near the nest for several days due to underdeveloped flight feathers. Parental care continues for one to two months post-fledging.
Breeding Success: In a study in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture, ten pairs of Brown-eared Bulbuls attempted an average of 2.3 breeding cycles per year, with an overall success rate of 11 out of 23 attempts. Predation was the main cause of failure. During the breeding season, these birds are highly territorial and act aggressively towards intruders. They also fight against other bulbuls and vehemently defend the nest against all types of predators.

Observation Tips: To watch the Brown-eared Bulbul, look in wooded areas, gardens, and parks across its range in Japan. Their loud calls make them easy to locate. For photography, use a lens of at least 600 mm, due to their quick movements and small size.

The Birds of Japan and Their Ecological Importance

Japan's avian species are a testament to the country's rich biodiversity. From the strikingly colorful Mandarin Duck to the powerful White-tailed Eagle, each bird species plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. The varied habitats across Japan, from coastal regions and dense forests to urban parks and rural wetlands, support a wide array of bird life that is both beautiful and essential to the environment.

One of the key takeaways from learning about Japan's birds is the importance of preserving their habitats. Birds like the Kingfisher and the Ural Owl rely on specific environments for hunting, nesting, and raising their young. Habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change pose significant threats to these species, potentially disrupting their life cycles and the ecological roles they fulfill.

Protecting these habitats not only ensures the survival of these bird species but also maintains the health of the ecosystems they inhabit. Birds contribute to pest control, pollination, and seed dispersal, among other ecological functions. Their presence is a marker of environmental health, and their decline can signal underlying issues within their ecosystems.