Primorsky Krai, located in the Far East of Russia, is home to various birds. With its diverse habitats and rich resources, the region provides an ideal environment for bird species of all sizes and stripes.
From the majestic golden eagle to the shy wren, visitors can find a variety of bird species in the area. The area is a significant stopover for many migratory birds and a nesting spot for some rare species.
Tourism and bird watching are popular activities for visitors to the region. Whether you are an experienced birder or a beginner, Primorsky Krai offers a unique opportunity to observe some of the most beautiful birds in the world.
20 Birds to Watch in Primorsky Krai
Primorsky Krai is a coastal region in the Far East of Russia, bordering China, North Korea and the Sea of Japan. It is a land of diverse landscapes, from the rugged mountains of Sikhote-Alin to the sandy beaches of the southern coast.
Primorsky Krai is also home to a rich variety of birds, some of which are endemic, rare or endangered. Here are 24 birds that you can watch in Primorsky Krai.
1. Yellow-Throated Bunting
The yellow-throated bunting, also known as the elegant bunting, is a bird species found in several East Asian countries, including China, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, Russia, and Taiwan.
It inhabits both temperate forests and subtropical or tropical dry forests. Emberiza elegans is an example of Type II chain migration, a particular migration pattern observed in bird species.
This type of migration involves a series of sequential movements over a specific period, with the individuals stopping at different locations along the way. During the migration, the birds may be dispersed in a continuous flow, or they may be grouped in flocks.
This migration also involves a long-distance journey, usually from one hemisphere to another, with the birds returning to the exact location every year.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Emberizidae |
| Genus | Emberiza |
| Species | E. elegans |
2. Black-Tailed Gull
The black-tailed gull is a type of seagull primarily found along East Asia’s shorelines. It is often seen scavenging for food near the water’s edge, and it has a distinctive black tail that sets it apart from other types of gulls.
It is a medium-sized bird with a wingspan of around 35 inches, and its plumage is primarily white, with grey wings and a black tail. Its wings are also usually tipped with a white colour.
During the breeding season, they can be found along the Yellow Sea, the Sea of Japan, and the East China Sea coastlines. This gull is an omnivore, meaning it feeds on plants and animals.
It will often scavenge for food, eating anything from worms and crustaceans to insects and molluscs. It is also known to eat fish, eggs, and other small animals. In addition to scavenging, the black-tailed gull will also hunt for food in the water, diving down to catch prey.
The black-tailed gull is an essential species for shoreline and coastal ecosystems.
It plays a vital role in controlling the population of other animals, such as fish and crustaceans, while providing an essential food source for other animals, such as terns and cormorants.
They can often be seen in large flocks and are known to be very vocal, with loud calls often heard along the shore.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. crassirostris |
3. Eastern Spot-Billed Duck
The eastern spot-billed duck, also known as the Chinese spot-billed duck, is a dabbling duck native to East and Southeast Asia.
It was previously included as a subspecies of the Indian spot-billed duck, and both species were collectively known as the spot-billed duck.
The name refers to the yellow spot on the bill, a distinguishing feature of the species. The eastern spot-billed duck is a relatively small species of duck, with an adult weight of around 500-700 g.
The plumage is mainly light brown, with white patches and darker markings on the wings and back. The bill is yellowish-green with a black tip and dark brown eyes.
The legs and feet are greenish-yellow. The eastern spot-billed duck is a migratory species found in several countries in East and Southeast Asia. During breeding, the ducks form large flocks on freshwater lakes, ponds, and wetlands.
They feed on various aquatic plants, insects, and small fish. The eastern spot-billed duck is not currently threatened with extinction, but their numbers are decreasing due to habitat loss and hunting.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. zonorhyncha |
4. Azure-Winged Magpie
The azure-winged magpie is a bird in the crow family, which belongs to the genus Cyanopica. It is a medium-sized bird, measuring between 31 and 35 centimetres in length.
Its body shape is similar to the Eurasian magpie’s, but it is more slender, with shorter legs and a more delicate bill. Additionally, it has a glossy black top to the head and a white throat.
These distinctive features help to distinguish the azure-winged magpie from other members of its family. The azure-winged magpie is native to Japan and East China and lives in open woodlands, parks, and gardens.
It feeds mainly on insects, small invertebrates, and fruits, nuts, and berries. It also has a harsh, grating call, often heard in its habitat. The azure-winged magpie is a species of most minor concern, according to the IUCN Red List.
This means that despite its relatively small population, it is not threatened with extinction. Conservation efforts are in place to ensure that this species can survive in its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanopica |
| Species | C. cyanus |
5. Pallas’s Leaf Warbler
Pallas’s leaf warbler, also known as Pallas’s warbler, is a species of bird that breeds in mountain forests in a vast region that stretches from southern Siberia to northern Mongolia and northeast China.
This bird species was named after the German zoologist Peter Simon Pallas, who was the first to describe it formally. Pallas’s leaf warbler is a migratory bird that prefers a habitat of coniferous and deciduous forests at high altitudes.
It builds its nest in dense shrubs and trees, often near the ground.
This bird species is also known for its beautiful singing abilities, and its song is a slow, trilling whistle. The Pallas’s leaf warbler is a small bird with a 12 and 13-cm body length.
It has a yellowish-green upper body with a greyish-white underbody and black wings. The bird’s tail is rounded and has two white bars on the outer tail feathers.
The Pallas’s leaf warbler is an integral part of its native habitat, as it helps to control the insect populations that can damage its forest home. It is an important food source for many birds of prey and is also considered a delicacy among some cultures.
Despite its essential role in the ecosystem, its numbers have declined recently due to habitat destruction and other human-caused factors.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Phylloscopidae |
| Genus | Phylloscopus |
| Species | P. proregulus |
6. Striated Heron
The Striated Heron is a small bird species found across parts of the Americas. Many other names, such as mangrove, little green heron, or green-backed heron, also know it. It stands about 44 cm tall, making it one of the smallest heron species.
Striated herons are primarily sedentary, meaning they tend to stay in one area for most of their life. This bird species is also notable for some of its intriguing behaviours.
For instance, it has been observed that when a Striated Heron is threatened, it will strike its wings to scare off the threat. It also exhibits a wide range of vocalizations to mark its territory and express different emotions.
In addition, Striated Herons are known to nest in colonies, which is quite rare among heron species. All in all, the Striated Heron is a fascinating bird species with many unique behaviours.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Butorides |
| Species | B. striata |
7. Black-Browed Reed Warbler
The black-browed reed warbler is a type of marsh warbler belonging to the family Acrocephalidae. It was formerly classified as one of the species in the “Old World warbler” assemblage.
This species was first described by Robert Swinhoe in 1860. In terms of its breeding grounds, the black-browed reed warbler is found in eastern Mongolia, south-eastern Russia, east China, and Japan.
These birds migrate to Southeast Asia during winter to spend the colder months. These birds are known for their black-painted brows, which give them their name. Generally, black-browed reed warblers are small birds with short, rounded wings and a long, thin tail.
They usually have brown and olive feathers on their backs and white underneath. The black-browed reed warbler is a passerine, which means it is a perching songbird. It primarily feeds on insects, which it catches in flight or on the ground.
It is also known to feed on seeds and other small food items. Overall, the black-browed reed warbler is a fascinating species of bird that is found in several parts of the world. Its unique physical and behavioural traits make it a species worth studying and appreciating.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Acrocephalidae |
| Genus | Acrocephalus |
| Species | A. bistrigiceps |
8. Ochre-Rumped Bunting
The ochre-rumped bunting, also known as the Japanese reed bunting, is a bird species belonging to the Emberizidae family. This species was first described by Robert Swinhoe in 1863 and is native to Manchuria, Korea, and Japan.
The bird is mainly found in temperate grasslands and swamps but is now threatened due to habitat loss.
Habitat loss is an ongoing problem for the ochre-rumped bunting, as their natural habitats are being destroyed by human activities such as urbanization, agricultural expansion, and logging.
As a result, the bird’s population is decreasing, and its range is shrinking.
In addition to habitat loss, the bird is also threatened by hunting, as its feathers are often used in traditional Japanese clothing. To protect the ochre-rumped bunting, it is essential to conserve its natural habitats.
This can be done by increasing public awareness about the importance of preserving grasslands and swamps and creating protected areas that ensure the bird’s safety.
It is also essential to reduce hunting pressure and discourage using its feathers in traditional clothing. The ochre-rumped bunting can become a healthy and abundant species with proper conservation efforts.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Emberizidae |
| Genus | Emberiza |
| Species | E. yessoensis |
9. Pale Thrush
The pale thrush is an iconic bird species in the eastern Palearctic region. It is a part of Turdidae’s thrush family and is closely related to the eye-browed and grey-backed thrush.
This species is known for its distinctive appearance; it is about 23 cm long, with a grey bill on the top and yellow on the bottom. Its feet are delicate and pale pinkish-brown in colour. The pale thrush is an essential species in its habitat.
It feeds mainly on insects, as well as on fruits and seeds. It is also an important seed disperser, helping to spread the seeds of various plants and trees.
It is a common sight in gardens and woodlands and is a famous bird for birdwatchers. The pale thrush is found throughout the eastern Palearctic region, from China and Japan in the east to parts of Europe in the west.
It is a migratory bird, with many populations travelling south for the winter months. Despite this, it is still a common species throughout its range. The pale thrush is an iconic species, with its distinctive grey and yellow bill and pale pinkish-brown feet.
It is an integral part of the Palearctic ecosystem, playing a vital role in the seed dispersal of many plant species. It is also a famous bird for birdwatchers and a common sight in gardens and woodlands.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. pallidus |
10. Grey-Backed Thrush
The grey-backed thrush is a species of bird found in the family Turdidae. It is native to northeastern China and the Russian Far East and migrates to southern China and northern Vietnam during the winter. The bird prefers temperate forests as its natural habitat.
Recently, a pair of grey-backed thrushes bred in captivity laid five eggs, and after fourteen days, they hatched. This is a significant event as it shows that the species can breed successfully in captivity, which can be helpful in conservation efforts.
Additionally, it is interesting to note that the eggs took fourteen days to hatch, a relatively short time compared to other bird species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. hortulorum |
11. Chestnut-Flanked White-Eye
The Chestnut-flanked White-eye is a bird belonging to the Zosteropidae family of birds. It was first discovered and subsequently described by Robert Swinhoe in 1863.
This bird species is most commonly found in forests and prefers to inhabit relatively thick and dense forests with coniferous and mixed trees. The bird is quite active and can often be seen flitting from branch to branch, searching for food and shelter.
It is a small bird with a distinct white stripe along its flanks, hence its name. It is a fascinating species to observe in the wild and is an excellent addition to the forest ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Zosteropidae |
| Genus | Zosterops |
| Species | Z. erythropleurus |
12. Yellow-Billed Loon
The yellow-billed loon is a large member of the loon or diver family. Many names, including the white-billed diver, know it. Breeding adults are easily identifiable by their unique colouring: a black head, white underparts, and a black-and-white checkered mantle.
Non-breeding adults are less colourful, with white chin and foreneck. The yellow-billed loon is a graceful swimmer, often seen gliding through the water with ease. It is also an impressive flyer, using its long wingspan to soar through the sky.
In addition to its unique plumage, it is also known for its haunting call, which can be heard echoing across the water. The yellow-billed loon is a common sight in the northern parts of the world and is found in many lakes, rivers, and coastal areas.
It prefers habitats with open water and is often seen in small flocks. During the breeding season, the loon will build a floating nest of vegetation and lay two or three eggs. The yellow-billed loon is a fascinating and beautiful sight to behold.
Its striking colours and distinctive call make it a favourite among birdwatchers, and it provides an essential ecological role in the food web of its environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gaviiformes |
| Family | Gaviidae |
| Genus | Gavia |
| Species | G. adamsii |
13. Horned Grebe
The Horned Grebe, also known as the Slavonian Grebe, is a waterbird belonging to the Podicipedidae family. It is a relatively small bird and can be found in two different subspecies, the P. a. Mauritius and the P. a. cornutus.
The P. a. Mauritius breeds in the Palearctic region, which covers Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The P. a. cornutus, on the other hand, breeds in North America. Both subspecies have similar physical characteristics, including a long neck and a pointed bill.
They also have distinctive black and white plumage and a black cap. They have a unique feature that sets them apart from other waterbirds: the presence of two horn-like feathers on their head.
These feathers are used for display purposes and give the bird their name.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Podiceps |
| Species | P. auritus |
14. Crested Honey Buzzard
The crested honey buzzard is a bird of prey from the Accipitridae family. This avian family includes other diurnal raptors like kites, eagles, and harriers.
Pernis ptilorhynchus is the scientific name for the crested honey buzzard, and it has six recognized subspecies. The crested honey buzzard is a medium-sized raptor from 57-60 cm.
It is the largest species in the genus Pernis and the second-largest raptor in the family Accipitridae. They have a distinctive crest on their heads, which gives them their name. They are found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Their diet includes insects, small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and carrion. They are also known to feed on honey, where their name comes from. They are solitary birds and usually hunt alone.
They are also migratory birds and can be seen in different parts of the world during winter.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Pernis |
| Species | P. ptilorhynchus |
15. Falcated Duck
The falcated duck, also known as the falcated teal, is a dabbling duck native to the east Palearctic. This species is approximately the same size as a gadwall, measuring between 43 and 60 cm long and weighing 500 and 800 grams.
It is distinguished by its distinctive curved or ‘falcated’ tail and its white and light brown plumage. Its breast is white with black and pale brown stripes, its wings are light brown with white patches, and its back and flanks are greyish-brown.
Its head is dark brown, with a white throat and crown. The species is a social bird, often seen in flocks of up to several hundred individuals. The falcated duck is an omnivorous species, feeding on aquatic invertebrates, plant material, and grains.
During the breeding season, its diet consists mainly of aquatic insects, molluscs, and crustaceans. It is usually seen in shallow freshwater wetlands, such as ponds, marshes, and lakes, where it can forage for food.
The species is a strong flier known to migrate seasonally for suitable habitats. It breeds southwards to Japan in the east Palearctic, from eastern Russia, northern China, and Mongolia.
It winters mainly in the northern parts of its range, but some individuals may migrate further south. The falcated duck is listed as a species of most minor concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
However, it is threatened by habitat loss and degradation, pollution, and hunting. Its wetland habitats must be protected and managed sustainably to conserve this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mareca |
| Species | M. falcata |
16. Baikal Teal
The Baikal teal is a species of duck native to eastern Russia. It is also known as the bimaculate duck or squawk duck. During the breeding season, the Baikal teal lives in the wetlands of eastern Russia. In the winter, it migrates to East Asia.
The Baikal teal is a small dabbling duck, the smallest of the Anatidae family of ducks. Its body is short and compact, and its wings are broad and rounded. Its plumage is predominantly brown and white, with the males having a darker head and a more vibrant colouration.
The Baikal teal is an omnivore which eats plant and animal material. Its diet comprises aquatic plants, seeds, insects, worms, and small fish.
During the breeding season, the duck builds its nest in depressions near shallow water, laying between four and eleven eggs. The Baikal teal is a vulnerable species, as its population has declined dramatically in recent years.
The biggest threat to its population is habitat loss due to wetland drainage and increased agricultural activities. Other threats include illegal hunting, water pollution, and predation by other animals.
Conservation efforts are currently underway to help protect the Baikal teal and ensure its long-term survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Sibirionetta |
| Species | S. formosa |
17. Mandarin Duck
The mandarin duck is a perching duck species native to the East Palearctic region, which includes parts of Russia, China, and Japan. It is notable for its striking appearance, as males and females look quite different.
The males are brightly coloured with red and orange plumage, while females are more subdued, with mottled brown and grey plumage. The mandarin duck is a medium-sized bird, measuring 41-49 centimetres long and having a wingspan of 65-75 centimetres.
It is closely related to the North American wood duck, and the two species are the only members of the genus Aix. The mandarin duck is a relatively popular species due to its beautiful appearance and relative hardiness.
It is found in various habitats, including wetlands, woodlands, and urban areas. It is omnivorous, consuming a variety of plant and animal matter. Its diet includes aquatic plants, invertebrates, and even small fish.
The mandarin duck is a social species, forming up to a hundred individual flocks. They are also relatively long-lived, with a lifespan of up to twelve years. Despite this, they are considered vulnerable due to habitat loss and hunting.
Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the species and ensure its continued survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aix |
| Species | A. galericulata |
18. Little Curlew
The little curlew is a wading bird belonging to the Scolopacidae family. This family includes various shorebirds, such as sandpipers, turnstones, plovers, and snipes. The little curlew is a tiny species that breeds mainly in Siberia’s far north.
It is closely related to the North American Eskimo curlew, a species of wading bird belonging to the same family. The little curlew is a migratory bird with wintering grounds in northern India and southeast Asia.
It mainly feeds on insects, worms, and other small invertebrates. The little curlew is a relatively rare bird listed as a species of conservation concern in some parts of its range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Numenius |
| Species | N. minutus |
19. Pechora Pipit
The Pechora pipit is a small passerine bird found near river banks in the East Palearctic tundra. It is found in an area ranging from the Pechora River to the Chukchi Peninsula, as well as in Kamchatka and the Commander Islands.
This bird is a long-distance migrant, meaning it will travel long distances to warmer climates during the winter. Precisely, it migrates to Indonesia for the colder months, a journey of thousands of kilometres from its breeding grounds.
The Pechora pipit prefers habitats such as tundra and thickly vegetated areas, which protect from the elements and predators.
This bird species has adapted well to the harsh conditions of the East Palearctic, where it can breed successfully and carry out its seasonal migrations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Motacillidae |
| Genus | Anthus |
| Species | A. gustavi |
20. Asian Dowitcher
The Asian dowitcher is a species of bird belonging to the family of Scolopacidae, commonly known as waders or shorebirds. It is found in eastern Asia, ranging from the Ussuri region in Russia to North Korea and Japan.
It is a medium-large wader, typically measuring around 30 cm long. The Asian dowitcher is a rare species, with an estimated population of around 6,000.
It can be identified by its distinctive plumage, which includes a white head, brownish-grey upperparts, and white underparts with chestnut markings. The Asian dowitcher is an omnivorous species, feeding on various aquatic invertebrates, plant material, and seeds.
It can be found in shallow wetlands, including coastal mudflats, grasslands, and marshes during the breeding season. Outside of the breeding season, it tends to migrate southwards and can be found in wetlands and estuaries.
The Asian dowitcher is listed as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). As such, it is essential to monitor its population to ensure its conservation and survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Limnodromus |
| Species | L. semipalmatus |
Conclusion
Birds are essential in Primorsky Krai. They support the local ecosystem and provide a vital food source for the local people. There are over 300 species of birds in Primorsky Krai, many of which are endangered and need to be protected.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect these birds and ensure their populations remain healthy. With the help of local conservation efforts, the fantastic birds of Primorsky Krai will continue to soar for many years.