Bird Species in Focus

Colors, songs, and different habitats make the world of birds especially diverse. In the bird profiles, you can discover different species that I have observed and photographed myself. You will learn more about their special features and appearance.

The profiles cover more than their visible features. They also explain how the birds live and what they eat. You will learn which habitats are important for each species. This gives you a clear and easy overview without having to read complicated scientific texts.

You can go directly to the bird profiles that interest you. Whether you want to learn more about a certain species or simply look at the photos, this section includes many profiles of birds from Europe and Japan. Clear, informative, and visual.

Sanderling (Calidris alba)

Sanderling (Calidris alba) – The Swift Beach Walker The Sanderling is a small shorebird that lives along coastlines around the world. It is easy to recognize in winter…
Terek Sandpiper (Xenus cinereus)

Terek Sandpiper: A Wader with a Twist in Its Bill Key Facts — Table of Contents — Introduction It may look harmless, but there’s a true high-flyer behind…
Azure-winged magpie (Cyanopica cyanus)

Azure-winged Magpie: Blue-shimmering Corvid of Japan The azure-winged magpie stands out with its azure-blue wings and long tail. Learn all about its appearance, lifestyle, distribution, and behavior in…
Little Bittern (Botaurus minutus)

Little Bittern – Master of Camouflage in the Reeds Key Facts Table of Contents Introduction It’s barely larger than a blackbird, yet it belongs to the heron family:…
Common swift (Apus apus)

Common Swift – The Bird That Calls the Sky Home The common swift hunts, sleeps, and lives almost entirely in the air. Discover more about this aerial master…
Brent Goose (Branta bernicla)

Brent Goose – A Quiet Guest Along Japan’s Coasts The Brent Goose (Branta bernicla) impresses with its striking black-and-white appearance and calm demeanor as a winter visitor along…
Harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)

Harlequin Duck – Diving Artist with Porcelain Charm With its bold contrast plumage and agile diving, the Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) is a fascinating winter visitor to Japan’s…
Carrion crow (Corvus corone)

Carrion Crow – Black Strategist of Urban Life The Carrion Crow (Corvus corone) is an intelligent and adaptable urban dweller. From rooftops to rice fields, this black-feathered bird…
Long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis)

Long-tailed Duck – Diving Artist of the North With its snow-white plumage and striking long tail, the Long-tailed Duck is a fascinating winter visitor to Japan’s northern coasts…
Snow bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)

Snow Bunting – A Winter Bird Sculpted from Snow With its snowy-white plumage and bright yellow beak, the Snow Bunting is a fascinating winter visitor to Japan’s northern…