Fukuoka is a city located on the island of Kyushu in Japan, known for its rich natural resources and diverse wildlife. The region is home to a diverse range of bird species that inhabit its forests, wetlands, shrublands, and grasslands.
With over 450 bird species recorded in the city, Fukuoka is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts looking to explore the avian biodiversity of the region. From iconic birds like the Japanese crane to rare species like the fury-backed woodpecker, Fukuoka's birds are a testament to the city's vibrant and thriving ecosystem.
In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of birds in Fukuoka and discover some of the most unique and interesting species that call this region home.
1. Oriental turtle dove
The Oriental turtle dove is a member of the Columbidae bird family and has an extensive range, from Europe to Japan. It can be identified by its rufous plumage with variations in patterning among different subspecies.
During winter, populations at higher latitudes migrate south for warmer climes. When courting, males display cooing or hooting sounds and perform flight displays that consist of circular glides followed by dives towards their female counterparts.
They feed on grains as well as fruits such as olives and figs when these are available seasonally.
The nests are typically located in trees or bushes near water sources where they lay two white eggs which hatch after 14 days of incubation period shared between both parents
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. orientalis |
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2. Brown-eared bulbul
The Brown-eared Bulbul is a medium-sized bird native to eastern Asia. Its range stretches from southern Sakhalin to the northern Philippines, and it can be found in abundance throughout its habitat.
The species was initially classified as part of the Turdus genus before being reclassified into other genera over time - most recently Microscelis.
These birds are characterized by their unique brown ear tufts, which have earned them their common name.
They typically measure around 20 cm long with greyish olive colored feathers covering much of their body except for white underparts and wings marked with black bars on each feather.
Their diet consists mainly of insects but they also feed on fruits such as berries when available in addition to some small invertebrates like beetles or caterpillars.
With an impressive vocal range that includes both calls and songs, these birds make great additions to any garden or aviary.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Pycnonotidae |
| Genus | Hypsipetes |
| Species | H. amaurotis |
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3. Grey-capped greenfinch
The Grey-capped Greenfinch is a medium-sized finch with grey caps, measuring between 12.5 to 14 cm in length and having a strong bill and short slightly forked tail.
It was first described by the German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1760, who noted its presence from Siberia eastwards along the Himalayas into China.
This species inhabits broadleaf and conifer woodlands of East Palearctic region where it breeds during summer months laying 3 to 5 eggs inside nest built high up in trees or vegetation bushes around them.
They feed on seeds found on ground as well as insects that can be caught from air while fluttering their wings rapidly back and forth like all other small passerine birds do when they fly low over surface of water bodies or grassland hunting prey..
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Subfamily | Carduelinae |
| Genus | Chloris |
| Species | C. sinica |
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4. Striated heron
Striated herons are a small species of heron, measuring around 44cm tall. They can be found in wetland areas across the Old World tropics, from west Africa to Japan and Australia as well as South America and the Caribbean.
Striated herons have some interesting behavioral traits that make them unique; they're mostly sedentary birds who tend to stay close to their breeding habitats throughout most of the year.
During breeding season these little green-backed herons become more active, often performing courtship dances in order to attract mates before nesting together on nearby trees or shrubs.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Butorides |
| Species | B. striata |
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5. Crested kingfisher
The Crested Kingfisher is a very large bird, native to parts of southern Asia stretching eastwards from the Indian Subcontinent to Japan.
It forms a species complex with three other Megaceryle species and was first formally described by Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck in 1834.
The Kingfisher has an impressive size ranging between 28-33 cm long and can weigh up to 85 gms. Its distinctive crest adds beauty as it gives them their name 'Crested'.
They have bright blue upperparts along with white underparts, reddish bill and legs; often making its presence known through loud callings that echo across forests or wetlands they inhabit.
Their diet mainly consists of fish but also includes insects, crustaceans & frogs which are all caught using its sharp beak.
All in all this beautiful yet powerful creature makes for one interesting sighting out there.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Subfamily | Cerylinae |
| Genus | Megaceryle |
| Species | M. lugubris |
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6. Bull-headed shrike
The Bull-headed shrike is a bird that can be found in eastern Asia. It belongs to the shrike family, Laniidae. It is about 19-20 cm long and the male has a brown crown, a white eyebrow, and a black mask.
The back of the Bull-headed shrike is grey-brown, while the wings are dark with a white patch.
Its flanks have a rufous color, and the rest of the underparts are whitish with fine barring. Female Bull-headed shrikes look similar to the males.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Laniidae |
| Genus | Lanius |
| Species | L. bucephalus |
7. Japanese wagtail
The Japanese wagtail bird belongs to the Motacillidae family and is found in Japan and Korea. These birds measure about 20 cm in length and have black upperparts, throats, and backs, with white underparts and supercilia.
They also have black beaks and dark grey legs and feet. Juvenile Japanese wagtails have greyer plumage. The sexes look similar in appearance.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Motacillidae |
| Genus | Motacilla |
| Species | M. grandis |