The stunningly beautiful blue birds of Japan are a sight to behold. Found in the temperate forests, mountains, and woodlands of the country, these birds have been revered in Japanese culture for centuries.
The bluebird is a symbol of joy, hope, and good luck, and is believed to bring prosperity and happiness to anyone who sees them. They are also a symbol of the beauty of nature, and a reminder for us to appreciate the wonders of the natural world around us.
1. Passerine
Passerines are a type of bird that belongs to the order Passeriformes and makeup about half of all bird species in the world. These birds, also known as perching birds, are distinguished by their anisodactyl toe arrangement.
This means that the toes on each foot are arranged in an asymmetrical pattern, with three toes facing forward and one toe facing backward. This special arrangement allows them to perch on branches and other surfaces easily.
Passerines are common in many habitats, from forests and woodlands to urban settings. They have adapted to a variety of different environments and are able to survive in many different climates.
Their ability to perch has enabled them to become highly successful, and they are among the most widespread birds on the planet.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Psittacopasserae |
| Order | Passeriformes |
2. Thrush
Source: Wikipedia
The thrushes are a type of passerine bird, which is a group of perching birds found all over the world. They are part of the family Turdidae, which was once much larger before biologists reclassified them into categories.
This reclassification saw the former subfamily Saxicolinae, which included the chats and European robins, become part of a different family known as the Old World flycatchers. This new family contains birds that primarily feed on flying insects.
The thrushes, meanwhile, feed on a variety of different food sources, including fruits, berries, insects, and worms. They are generally seen in wooded areas and are known for their melodic song.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
3. Old-World Flycatchers
Source: Wikipedia
The Old World flycatchers are a family of birds known as Muscicapidae. These birds are small passerines, which means they are classified as perching birds. They are restricted to the Old World, which generally refers to Europe, Africa, and Asia.
However, there are a few exceptions. Some flycatchers are found as vagrants in other parts of the world, and two species, bluethroat, and northern wheatear, are also found in North America.
The Old World flycatchers are typically not migratory birds, but they may travel shorter distances in search of food or better habitats. They are generally insectivorous, meaning they feed on insects, and some may also eat seeds and fruit.
The family includes many genera and species, ranging from warblers and chats to thrushes. The common features of Old World flycatchers are that they have short and rounded wings, long tails, and a variety of brightly colored feathers.
Old World flycatchers are a diverse family of birds that can be found throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia. They are small passerines with short and rounded wings, long tails, and brightly colored feathers.
Some species are also found as vagrants in other parts of the world, and two species are also found in North America. These birds feed mostly on insects, although some may also eat seeds and fruit.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
4. Starling
Starlings are a type of small to medium-sized birds that belong to the family Sturnidae. This family is named for the genus Sturnus, which is derived from the Latin word for starling, Sturnus.
Starlings are a type of passerine bird, which are also known as perching birds, due to their unique ability to perch on trees and other objects. They are characterized by their stout bodies, short legs, and pointed wings.
Starlings are social birds, often seen in large flocks, and they often feed together on the ground. They have the ability to imitate sounds and are known for their beautiful, melodic songs.
Starlings have been introduced to many parts of the world where they have become successful citizens. They are now considered an invasive species in some parts of the world, due to their aggressive behavior and competition with native birds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
5. Sulids
The bird family Sulidae includes two distinct species, gannets and boobies. These birds are known as sulids and are typically large birds that inhabit coastal areas. They dive into the water to catch fish and other prey.
These birds are considered to be closely related, and some sources group all ten species in the family into a single genus, Sula. This genus is often referred to as “older” sources, as it is not always accepted by the scientific community.
The Sulidae family is an important part of the ecosystem of coastal areas, and they are often studied in order to better understand the balance of their environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Sulidae |
6. Tanagers
The Tanagers are an incredibly diverse family of birds that make up the Thraupidae family. They are part of the order Passeriformes, which is the largest order of birds on the planet.
The tanagers are a Neotropical family, meaning they are found in the tropical regions of the Americas. This family of birds is the second-largest family in the world, with around 4% of all avian species belonging to it.
This means that nearly 12% of all birds in the Neotropical region are tanagers. This family is incredibly diverse, with over 400 species spread across their range. They come in a variety of colors and shapes, from the scarlet tanager to the blue-gray tanager.
Tanagers are amazing birds and contribute greatly to the avifauna of the Neotropics.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Thraupidae |
7. Pittas
Pittas are a family of birds, known as Pittidae, that are found in many parts of the world, including Asia, Australasia, and Africa. There are a total of 44 species of pittas, which are all similar in general appearance and habits.
They are part of the Old World suboscines, which are a group of birds that are related to other species, such as Smithornis and Calyptomena. Pittas usually have vibrant colors and can be seen in a variety of habitats, such as forests and grasslands.
They have strong legs and feet which they use for walking and climbing, and have short, sharp beaks for catching their prey. They feed mainly on insects but also eat fruits and other small animals.
Although they are found in many parts of the world, they are not very plentiful, and their numbers are declining due to habitat destruction and hunting.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Pittidae |
8. Estrildid Finches
Estrildidae, or estrildid finches, is a family of small passerine birds which are found in the Old World tropics and Australasia. These birds are known for their seed-eating habits and are typically referred to by a variety of names depending on their species.
The most common names for members of the Estrildidae family are munias, mannikins, firefinches, parrotfinches, and waxbills. Munias are small, round birds with short tails and are primarily found in tropical regions of the world.
Mannikins are small finches with short, thick beaks and short, rounded wings. Fire finches are brightly colored finches found in the dry, open savannas of Africa. Parrot finches are colorful, medium-sized finches with long, pointed beaks and long tails.
Finally, waxbills are small, finch-like birds with short, conical beaks and long, pointed tails. All of these birds are members of the Estrildidae family, and they are incredibly diverse in both their physical appearance and behavior.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Estrildidae |
9. Blue-and-White Flycatcher
The blue-and-white flycatcher is a migratory songbird that belongs to the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae.
It is also referred to as the Japanese flycatcher, a name that stems from its breeding grounds located in Japan, Korea, and parts of north-eastern China and the Russian Far East.
This species of bird is a medium-sized passerine that is typically greyish-blue above, with a white belly, and a black stripe on the head. The males are slightly brighter than the females in color.
This flycatcher is known for its migratory nature, traveling between its wintering grounds in Southeast Asia and its breeding grounds in the northern regions mentioned above.
Their diet consists of insects and berries, which they catch by sallying to the ground and back to the porch. The species typically nests near a stream in the mountain forests and lays three to four eggs per clutch, incubating them for around two weeks.
The species is listed as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List due to its population numbers declining in recent years. The primary threats faced by this species are deforestation and habitat conversion, which have caused a decrease in the number of suitable breeding sites.
Conservation efforts are important for this species if we want to ensure its continued survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Cyanoptila |
| Species | C. cyanomelana |
10. Siberian Blue Robin
The Siberian blue robin is a type of small bird that was originally thought to be part of the thrush family, Turdidae. However, after further study, it is now considered to be part of the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae.
This small species is often referred to as a “chat” and is similar in size to other small European species. The Siberian blue robin is generally found in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. It has a distinct blue coloration, which makes it stand out from other small birds.
It has a short tail and wings, with a plump body and a short bill. It is an active bird, often seen flitting from branch to branch as it searches for food. It mainly feeds on insects, berries, and other small fruits.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Larvivora |
| Species | L. cyane |
11. Red-Flanked Bluetail
Source: Wikipedia
The red-flanked bluetail, also known as the orange-flanked bush-robin, is a small passerine bird found in the Old World.
It was formerly classified as a member of the thrush family Turdidae but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher, from the Muscicapidae family. It is closely related to other species in the same family, often referred to as chats.
The red-flanked bluetail is small in size and has distinctive red patches on its flanks, as well as a bright orange patch on the lower part of its back.
This bird is found in woodlands, grasslands, and scrublands across Asia, from Eastern Russia to Central China and South East Asia. The red-flanked bluetail is an insectivore, feeding on a variety of insects, such as flies, moths, and caterpillars.
It usually forages in the open, near the ground, but occasionally it can be seen perched on a branch, waiting to catch its prey. It also feeds on some fruits and berries. This species has a loud, distinctive song that is made up of a variety of chirps and trills.
The male is the main singer and is known to sing from elevated perches such as trees and bushes. The song is used to attract mates and to declare its territory. The red-flanked bluetail is an important species, forming part of the food web in the ecosystems it is found in.
It is also an important indicator of the health of its habitat, as its presence or absence can provide information on the quality of its environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Tarsiger |
| Species | T. cyanurus |
12. Grey-Headed Woodpecker
The grey-headed woodpecker is a species of bird belonging to the Picidae family which is commonly found in Europe.
It is also known as the grey-faced woodpecker and is closely related to two other species of woodpecker found in Europe – the European green woodpecker and the Iberian green woodpecker.
All three of these species are sister species and share similar characteristics. The grey-headed woodpecker is a medium-sized bird with a grey head and a white neck. It has a black back, yellowish-brown wings and tail, and a white underside.
The face is grey and the bill is black. The bird can be found in a variety of habitats, such as woodlands, parks, gardens, and even in cities. This species feeds on insects, seeds, and fruits. It uses its strong beak to pound on trees and excavate wood in search of food.
Its diet also includes sap and other plant material.
The grey-headed woodpecker is an important species in maintaining healthy woodland ecosystems as it helps to keep the trees healthy by controlling insect populations. The grey-headed woodpecker is a social bird and can often be seen in family groups.
It is also a popular bird among birdwatchers due to its distinctive and colorful plumage. The species is considered to be of least concern in terms of conservation status, however, its population is decreasing due to habitat destruction and fragmentation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Picus |
| Species | P. canus |
13. Common Kingfisher
The common kingfisher, also known as the Eurasian kingfisher and river kingfisher, is a small bird species found across Eurasia and North Africa. It is known for its wide distribution, with seven subspecies recognized within its range.
The kingfisher is resident in much of its habitat, meaning it is usually found in the same area year-round. However, it is known to migrate from areas of its range that experience freezing temperatures during the winter.
This helps the bird to survive in colder climates and ensures its continued survival. The adaptability of the common kingfisher is an impressive trait, allowing it to thrive in diverse environments.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Genus | Alcedo |
| Species | A. atthis |
14. Oriental Dollarbird
The Oriental dollar bird is a species of bird belonging to the roller family. This family of birds is aptly named due to the unique pale blue or white, coin-shaped spots on its wings.
This species of bird is widely distributed across much of the Eastern Hemisphere, with its range extending from Australia to Korea, Japan, and India.
The Oriental dollar bird has a long tail and a powerful, robust bill, which it uses to eat a wide variety of food items, such as insects, lizards, and fruit. Its diet is supplemented by its habit of often perching on large trees and waiting for prey to come close.
It is an active bird, often flying from tree to tree and chasing after its prey. The distinctive spots on its wings are an adaptation that allows it to look like a piece of money when it is in flight, thus helping it to avoid predators.
The Oriental dollar bird is an important species in its range, and conservation efforts are necessary to ensure that it remains part of the region’s avifauna.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Coraciidae |
| Genus | Eurystomus |
| Species | E. orientalis |
15. Rainbow Bee-Eater
The rainbow bee-eater is a bird belonging to the Meropidae family, which is part of the near passerine bird group. It is a brightly colored bird with distinctive plumage that is predominantly green and blue. It has an orange-yellow beak and a long, pointed tail.
The rainbow bee-eater is found in Australia, New Guinea, and parts of Indonesia. It feeds mainly on bees, wasps, and other flying insects, which it captures in mid-air. It typically hunts from an exposed perch, such as a tree branch or telephone wire.
During the breeding season, it forms large flocks that migrate to northern Australia and New Guinea. The rainbow bee-eater nests in a burrow dug into a riverbank, and the female typically lays two to four eggs.
It is a social species and often forms mixed-species flocks with other bee-eaters and honey-eaters. The rainbow bee-eater is highly sought after by birdwatchers due to its vibrant colors and its characteristic aerial feeding style.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Meropidae |
| Genus | Merops |
| Species | M. ornatus |
16. Blue Rock Thrush
The blue rock thrush is a species of chat, which belongs to the family Turdidae. This species of Old World flycatcher is found in a number of countries and regions including southern Europe, northwest Africa, Central Asia, northern China, and Malaysia.
It is a thrush-like bird, which is known for its strong, direct flight and its loud, musical song. The blue rock thrush is typically found in rocky areas and open woodlands. It feeds on insects, nuts, berries, and other small items on the ground or in the air.
It nests in cavities in rocks or trees and lays two to four eggs. The blue rock thrush is an important part of the local ecosystem, providing food for other species and helping to control insect populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Monticola |
| Species | M. solitarius |
17. Barn Swallow
The barn swallow is a unique species of swallow that is found all over the world. With a natural range covering 251 million square kilometers, it is one of the most widespread passerines in the world.
Its appearance is quite distinctive, with its blue upperparts and long, deeply forked tail. The tail is a key feature of the barn swallow, as it helps the bird to fly and maneuver quickly and effectively while hunting for insects.
The long tail also helps the bird look for potential mates when breeding season arrives. The barn swallow is an important species, as it helps to control the insect population in its natural habitat and also provides a source of food for other animals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Hirundo |
| Species | H. rustica |
18. Rock Dove
The rock dove, also known as the rock pigeon or common pigeon, is part of the Columbidae bird family. It is commonly referred to as simply a “pigeon”. The domestic pigeon seen today is an evolved form of the rock dove, descended from the species.
When domestic pigeons escape captivity, they often increase the population of wild or “feral” pigeons in areas around the world. Feral pigeons come in a variety of colors, but many have the same markings as the rock dove.
They can often be seen nesting in urban areas, where their presence can cause a nuisance.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. livia |
19. Common Myna
The Common Myna or Indian Myna is a bird that belongs to the family of Sturnidae, which is native to Asia. It is an omnivorous bird that is often found in open woodlands and is known for its strong territorial instincts.
This bird has adapted well to urban environments, allowing it to live and thrive in cities. It feeds on a variety of food including fruits, seeds, insects, and even scraps from human food.
It is also known for its loud call, which is often used to signal its presence and defend its territory. The Common Myna is a common sight in many urban areas, and its population is only increasing due to its ability to adapt and survive in such environments.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Acridotheres |
| Species | A. tristis |
Conclusion
Bluebirds are an important part of Japanese culture and are treasured by the people of Japan. They are both a symbol of good luck and a reminder of nature’s beauty.
Bluebirds are protected by the government and they are a source of pride for the Japanese people. Bluebirds in Japan are a reminder of the country’s beauty and cultural heritage.