Hiroshima is home to a wide variety of birds, from the common sparrows to the rare and exotic species found in the marshlands around the city.
There are over 200 species of birds that have been recorded in the Hiroshima prefecture, including the Japanese Bush Warbler, the Japanese White-eye, and the Grey Heron.
Bird watchers from around the world come to Hiroshima to spot these and other rare birds in their natural habitat.
The Hiroshima Prefectural Government has made a concerted effort to protect the local bird population and their habitats, and this has resulted in a vibrant and diverse bird population in the region.
1. Oriental Turtle Dove
The Oriental turtle dove, also known as the rufous turtle dove, is a species of bird that belongs to the Columbidae family. Its native range is quite large, extending from Central Asia all the way to Japan.
The plumage of the Oriental turtle dove varies from region to region and scientists have identified at least six distinct subspecies. Each of these subspecies has its own unique patterning, giving the species a great deal of diversity.
The Oriental turtle dove is found in a variety of habitats, from open woodlands and fields to cultivated land, and is a common sight in some parts of its range.
Interestingly, the species has also been known to hybridize with other closely related dove species, producing new and unique feather patterns.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. orientalis |
2. Green Pheasant
The green pheasant, also known as the Japanese green pheasant, is a species of bird found only in the Japanese archipelago. It is an omnivore, meaning it consumes both plants and animals and is a member of the Phasianidae family.
For some taxonomic authorities, it is considered a subspecies of the common pheasant, Phasianus colchicus. The Japanese green pheasant is a symbol of national pride in Japan and is the country’s official national bird.
The Japanese green pheasant is a beautiful bird, with a metallic green head and neck, a white throat, and a brownish-black body. It is unique in that it has a white tail, which is not seen in any other species of pheasant.
The Japanese green pheasant is also known for its distinctive call, which is a loud, repetitive “koke-koke”. The Japanese green pheasant is a shy bird and is usually found in mountain forests and grasslands.
It feeds on a variety of plants and insects and is also known to eat small mammals and amphibians. In Japan, the green pheasant is a protected species, and hunting is prohibited. The Japanese green pheasant has long been a symbol of national pride in Japan.
Its image is featured on the country’s coins and stamps, and it is important in the culture and folklore of the Japanese people. The green pheasant is also a popular symbol of luck and prosperity and is believed to bring good fortune to those who possess it.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Phasianus |
| Species | P. versicolor |
3. Common Cuckoo
The common cuckoo is a type of bird that belongs to the Cuculiformes order. This order includes other species such as roadrunners, anis, and coucals. The common cuckoo is known for being a migratory bird, which means that it travels from place to place depending on the season.
In the summer, it is found in Europe and Asia, while in the winter it migrates to Africa. This is done in order to find suitable weather conditions and an abundance of food. The common cuckoo has a wide range of habitats, from wooded areas to open fields.
It is known to feed on a variety of insects and other small animals. The female cuckoo will usually lay her eggs in the nests of other birds, which the host bird then incubates until hatching. This type of behavior is known as ‘brood parasitism’.
The common cuckoo has been studied extensively, as it is an important indicator of the health of the environment. The species is very sensitive to changes in the environment, and its changing population levels can provide valuable insights into the state of the environment.
By understanding the common cuckoo’s behavior, we can better understand the effects of human activity on the environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Cuculus |
| Species | C. canorus |
4. Eastern Spot-Billed Duck
The eastern spot-billed duck, also known as the Chinese spot-billed duck, is a species of dabbling duck that can be found in East and Southeast Asia.
It is closely related to the Indian spot-billed duck, and the two species were formerly grouped together under the same name: the spot-billed duck. The eastern spot-billed duck is named for an identifying feature: a yellow spot located on its bill.
This spot is a distinguishing characteristic that sets it apart from other species of ducks. The eastern spot-billed duck is a migratory species, and it is found in a wide variety of habitats, from wetlands to grasslands and even open agricultural areas.
It feeds on a variety of foods, including aquatic invertebrates, seeds, roots, and other plant material. It is also a gregarious species, forming flocks of tens or even hundreds of individuals. As with many duck species, the eastern spot-billed duck is an important game species.
It is hunted for its meat, eggs, and feathers. Its population has declined due to habitat loss and overhunting, and it is now considered near threatened by the IUCN. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. zonorhyncha |
5. Black-Crowned Night Heron
The black-crowned night heron (also known as the black-capped night heron) is a medium-sized heron found across many parts of the world. It is commonly referred to as simply night-heron in Eurasia.
This species of heron is found throughout Europe, Asia, and both North and South America.
It is a fairly widespread species and can be found in a variety of habitats, from wetlands and marshes to rivers and estuaries. The black-crowned night heron is easily distinguishable due to its unique black-and-white plumage.
The head of this species is black with a white stripe running down the side and a white patch at the nape of the neck. The rest of its body is white with black spots that are more prominent on the wings.
It has a short yellow bill and long, yellow legs. The black-crowned night heron feeds mainly on crustaceans, mollusks, amphibians, and fish. It typically hunts by standing still or slowly stalking its prey.
It typically nests in large colonies and can often be seen in groups in the same area. Overall, the black-crowned night heron is a fascinating species that can be found in many parts of the world.
It is easily recognizable due to its unique black and white plumage, and its diet of crustaceans, mollusks, amphibians, and fish makes it an interesting bird to observe.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Nycticorax |
| Species | N. nycticorax |
6. Falcated Duck
The falcated duck, also known as the falcated teal, is a type of dabbling duck found in the eastern Palearctic region. It is a medium-sized duck, similar in size to the gadwall, and is distinguished by its long, curved bill.
This distinctive duck is found in the wetland habitats of eastern Asia, ranging from Siberia to southeastern China. It is migratory and will travel south during the winter months to areas such as India and Southeast Asia.
It prefers shallow wetlands with plenty of vegetation and will often rest among grasses or reeds. The falcated duck is mostly brown or grey in color, with a white breast and yellow legs. Its bill is yellow at the base and darkens towards the tip.
It also has a dark, pointed crest on its head that can be raised when it is feeling threatened. The falcated duck feeds mainly on aquatic vegetation, small fish, and insects. It is a gregarious species and usually feeds in flocks.
When disturbed, it will fly away with a whistling sound. Its main predators are birds of prey such as hawks and eagles. The falcated duck is listed as of least concern by the IUCN and is fairly common in its range.
It is hunted for food in some areas, but its population is considered to be stable. Conservation efforts are in place to protect the species and its wetland habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mareca |
| Species | M. falcata |
7. Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker
The Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker is a small species of woodpecker that is found in forests across a large geographic range, from Russia to Japan. It is typically found in coniferous and deciduous forests.
This species has been placed in the genus Dendrocopos or Picoides, both of which are part of the Picidae family, which is also known as the woodpecker family.
The Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker is distinguished by its small size, as well as by its red-brown head, black wings, and white underparts. It feeds mainly on insects, which it obtains by pecking into tree bark and other surfaces.
It is a solitary bird, and usually nests in tree cavities. It is an important species in these forests, as it helps to control insect populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Yungipicus |
| Species | Y. kizuki |
8. Oriental Cuckoo
The Oriental cuckoo, also known as Horsfield’s cuckoo, is a bird belonging to the genus Cuculus of the cuckoo family Cuculidae. It is a distinct species in its own right and was formerly classified as a subspecies of the Himalayan cuckoo.
It was given the name ‘Oriental cuckoo’ when it was considered part of the larger Himalayan cuckoo species. The Oriental cuckoo is widely distributed throughout parts of Asia, such as India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
It is a medium-sized bird, about 28 centimeters in length, with greyish brown upperparts and whitish underparts. It has a distinctive call, a repeated ‘cu-cu-cu’ sound, which is often heard in the early morning and late evening.
The Oriental cuckoo is an insectivore and typically feeds on grasshoppers, caterpillars, and other insects. It is mostly solitary, preferring to live alone or in pairs, but can sometimes be found in small flocks.
It builds its nest in trees or bushes, often near human habitations, and lays two to four eggs which hatch after about 14 days.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Cuculus |
| Species | C. optatus |
9. Eurasian Wigeon
The Eurasian wigeon is a species of dabbling duck belonging to the genus Mareca. It is also known by other names such as the European wigeon, the widgeon, and the wigeon.
This species is widely distributed across its Palearctic range, from areas in Europe and Asia to parts of North Africa. It is one of the most common and widespread species of ducks in the region, making it a popular game bird for hunters.
The Eurasian wigeon has a distinctive plumage, with a chestnut head and greenish-yellow bill. Its back is grayish brown, and it has a white belly and chest. The species has a somewhat stocky body shape and can reach lengths of around 20 inches.
The male and female Eurasian wigeon have similar plumage, but the male has a slightly brighter head color.The Eurasian wigeon feeds mainly on aquatic plants and insects, which it obtains by dabbling and upending in shallow waters.
It also consumes grains and berries and is known to feed in pastures and fields. During the breeding season, it will gather in large flocks and perform elaborate courtship displays. The species nests in a shallow scrape in the ground, and the female will lay between 7 and 11 eggs.
The chicks are able to fly after about 4 weeks, and the adults will migrate south in the winter months. The Eurasian wigeon is an important species in the Palearctic and has been a popular game bird for hunters for many years.
Its population is considered to be stable, and it is not listed as threatened or endangered.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mareca |
| Species | M. penelope |
10. Crested Kingfisher
The crested kingfisher is a species of large bird from the kingfisher family. It is native to parts of southern Asia, extending from the Indian Subcontinent eastward towards Japan. It is one of four species in the genus Megaceryle, forming a species complex with the other three.
The crested kingfisher is a large bird, with a length of around 31 cm and a wingspan of around 40 cm. Its most distinctive feature is its crest of black feathers, which covers the upper part of its head.
Its plumage is mainly blue-grey on its back, with a white underside and a black breast. The kingfisher has a long, pointed bill, which it uses to catch fish and other aquatic prey.
It is found near rivers, lakes and wetlands, where it feeds on small fish, crabs and other aquatic prey. It is also known to eat insects, small reptiles and amphibians. The crested kingfisher is a solitary bird and is found in pairs or small family groups.
It is a vocal species, and its song is a series of loud, harsh calls. The crested kingfisher is a locally common species and is not threatened by extinction.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Genus | Megaceryle |
| Species | M. lugubris |
11. Rock Pigeon
The rock dove, also known as the rock pigeon or common pigeon, is a species of bird in the Columbidae family. This species is more commonly referred to as the pigeon. The domestic pigeon is descended from this species.
Through domestication, many of these birds have escaped and created large populations of feral pigeons around the world. These feral pigeons are now seen in cities and towns, often scavenging for food in parks and other public areas.
As a result of the success of these escaped domestic pigeons, the population of feral pigeons has increased dramatically. This has caused some issues for cities and towns as these birds can create a mess and noise pollution with large flocks.
Despite this, domestic and feral pigeons are still a common sight in many areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. livia |
12. Lesser Cuckoo
Source: ebird.org
The lesser cuckoo is a species of bird belonging to the family Cuculidae, which includes cuckoos, roadrunners, and anis.
This species is found in many countries across Asia and Africa, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Kenya, North Korea, South Korea, and others. The lesser cuckoo has a medium-sized body with a length of about 28 cm.
Its plumage is greyish-brown with white spots, and its underside is whitish. Its bill is black and its legs and feet are pale grey.
Its call is described as a loud, metallic, and distinctive “coo-koo-koo-roo”.The lesser cuckoo feeds mainly on insects, but also eats fruits and berries. It inhabits a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, grasslands, and shrublands.
In some parts of its range, it is a migratory species, traveling south in the winter months. The lesser cuckoo is not considered to be threatened, but its population is declining due to habitat loss, hunting, and pesticide use.
It is protected by the Convention on Migratory Species and is listed as a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Cuculus |
| Species | C. poliocephalus |
13. Black Kite
The black kite is a medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, a group of birds which are active during the day and hunt for food.
This species is considered to be the most numerous among all of the Accipitridae, though some populations have experienced significant decreases or fluctuations in their numbers.
This is likely due to a variety of factors, such as the destruction of their habitat, predation, and hunting.
As a result, the black kite is listed as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List. Conservation efforts are in place to help mitigate the decline of the black kite population.
These efforts include protecting their habitats, enforcing laws that protect them from hunting, and monitoring their numbers. Additionally, organizations are working to increase public awareness of the black kite and the need for its conservation.
It is hoped that with continued efforts, the black kite will be able to recover and continue to thrive as one of the world’s most abundant species of Accipitridae.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Milvus |
| Species | M. migrans |
14. Little Ringed Plover
The little ringed plover is a small species of bird belonging to the plover family. Its scientific name, Charadrius, is derived from a Late Latin word referring to a yellowish bird mentioned in the fourth-century Vulgate Bible.
This Latin word is in turn derived from the Ancient Greek word kharadrios, which was used to refer to a bird found in river valleys.
The little ringed plover is a migratory species, usually breeding in the warmer months in temperate climates and spending the winter months in warmer climates. It is a ground-dweller, nesting in open areas near water sources such as ponds, marshes and lakes.
Its diet consists mainly of insects, mollusks and crustaceans which it finds on the ground or in shallow water. It also feeds on seeds, grains and berries.
The little ringed plover is an attractive bird, with a light brown upper body, white underparts and a white ring around its neck. Its wings are dark brown, with white spots near the tips. It has a black bill and legs, and its eyes are dark brown.
The little-ringed plover is a species of global conservation concern due to its declining numbers in recent years, mainly due to habitat loss and degradation. It is listed as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Charadrius |
| Species | C. dubius |
15. Long-Billed Plover
The long-billed plover is a species of wading bird that belongs to the family Charadriidae.
Its range of distribution is quite vast, spanning several countries in the East Asian continent such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea, Russia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. The long-billed plover is a medium-sized shorebird that is mainly found in coastal habitats like mudflats and estuaries.
It is mainly seen foraging in shallow waters, where it searches for its food such as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. Its long bill is mainly used for probing in mud and sand in search of food.
The plumage of the long-billed plover is mainly brown with some white and black markings. The long-billed plover is highly solitary in nature, and it is usually seen in pairs during the breeding season.
It is known to breed in small colonies, where both the male and female participate in the nest-building and raising of their young.
Breeding pairs are known to use the same territory every year, and they are known to be fiercely territorial. The long-billed plover is an important species in the East Asian region, and it is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
However, its population is declining due to habitat loss and degradation, as well as hunting and trapping. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary steps in order to protect this species and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Charadrius |
| Species | C. placidus |
16. Eurasian Collared Dove
The Eurasian collared dove is a species of dove that is native to Europe and Asia. It was introduced to other parts of the world, including Japan, North America, and islands in the Caribbean.
Its vast global range and increasing population trend have caused the species to be listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List since 2014.
This means that the species is not considered to be threatened or endangered, and is reasonably plentiful in its natural range. This species is an example of successful introduction into new habitats and regions.
It is thought that the Eurasian collared dove was introduced to North America in the 1980s, and has since spread across the continent.
In addition, it has been successful in many other areas, including islands in the Caribbean, where it has adapted to living in habitats such as forests and open areas. The Eurasian collared dove is a relatively small dove, with a wingspan of approximately 36 cm.
It has a gray body, with white patches on the neck and wings, and a black half-collar at the nape of its neck. It has a black beak and pink legs.
The Eurasian collared dove typically feeds on grains, seeds, and fruits, and can be found living in agricultural fields, parks, and gardens. They are also known to eat insects, particularly during the breeding season.
They are generally found in flocks of up to 30 individuals and can be seen perched in trees or on telephone wires. The Eurasian collared dove is a hardy species, able to survive in a variety of different habitats.
Its success in its introduced range has allowed it to become one of the most widespread species of dove in the world. Its population trend is increasing, and due to its large population and wide range, it has been listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List since 2014.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. decaocto |
17. Eurasian Moorhen
The common moorhen is a species of bird that belongs to the rail family. It has a wide distribution in the Old World, mainly inhabiting wetland habitats such as marshes, ponds, canals, and other areas with plenty of vegetation.
The common moorhen is also known as the waterhen or swamp chicken, two names that are associated with its preferred habitat. The common moorhen is a medium-sized bird that has a black body and white stripes along its flanks.
Its feet are yellowish-green in color, and its bill has a yellow tip. It has a red frontal shield, and its toes are webbed, allowing it to swim in its aquatic environment. The common moorhen is an omnivore, eating both plants and animals.
Its diet consists of aquatic insects, fish, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans, aquatic plants, and grains. It is also known to eat the eggs and chicks of other birds. The common moorhen is a territorial bird, defending its territory from other moorhens and other species.
During the breeding season, the male will establish a territory and attract a mate. The female then builds a nest in the water or in vegetation close to the water. The nest is made of vegetation such as reeds and rushes, and the female will lay between 4-8 eggs.
The chicks are cared for by both parents until they are able to fly. The common moorhen is a widespread species and is not considered to be threatened. While its population is decreasing in some areas, its overall population is still considered to be stable.
It is listed as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Gallinula |
| Species | G. chloropus |
18. Great Crested Grebe
The great crested grebe is an aquatic bird from the grebe family, found in many parts of the world. It is easily recognizable by its striking plumage, which features a black head, neck and light gray body.
The bird is also known for its elaborate mating display, which is a spectacular performance of courtship rituals. During the mating season, the male and female grebes will perform a spectacular courtship dance, involving head-shaking, preening and synchronised swimming.
Both sexes will also make loud, booming calls to attract a mate. The male will then build a floating nest of weeds and grasses in the water and present it to the female as a gift.
If the female is impressed, she will accept the nest and breed with the male, producing a clutch of four to six eggs. The parents will then take turns incubating the eggs, and after hatching, the chicks will ride on their parent’s backs, protected from predators.
The great crested grebe is a fascinating species of water bird, with its elaborate courtship rituals and parental care making it a spectacular sight to behold.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Podiceps |
| Species | P. cristatus |
19. Eurasian Whimbrel
The Eurasian or common whimbrel is a wading bird that belongs to the Scolopacidae family. It is a migratory species, known as the white-rumped whimbrel in North America.
The Eurasian or common whimbrel is found in areas across subarctic Asia and Europe, from as far north as northern Asia all the way down to Scotland. This species is one of the most widespread of the curlews, making it a fairly common sight in its range.
The Eurasian or common whimbrel has a long and thin bill which is used to probe the mudflats for food. It is a fairly large bird with a wingspan of around 70-80 cm, and it has a light brownish-grey back with a white rump, a dark crown, and a white eyebrow stripe.
The whimbrel can be seen in coastal areas, grasslands, marshes and wet meadows. The Eurasian or common whimbrel nests in small colonies and lays its eggs on the ground. It feeds on a variety of food items, including crustaceans, insects, worms and small rodents.
The whimbrel is an important species in its range, as it helps to keep insect and rodent populations in check. Overall, the Eurasian or common whimbrel is a widespread and familiar bird across much of subarctic Asia and Europe.
It is an important species in its range and is well worth watching out for in its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Numenius |
| Species | N. phaeopus |
20. Osprey
The Osprey is a majestic bird of prey that is widely spread throughout the world. It is also known as the sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk due to its diet which consists mainly of fish.
It is a large raptor, with an impressive wingspan of 180 cm and a body length of more than 60 cm. The osprey is easily recognizable due to its distinctive coloration, with a brown upper body and greyish head and underparts.
It is also a diurnal bird, meaning it is active during the day. The Osprey is an apex predator, meaning it is at the top of the food chain, and plays a crucial role in the health of its local ecosystem.
It is a skilled hunter, able to detect fish underwater and swoop in to grab them with its powerful talons. The Osprey is an impressive bird and a vital part of the natural world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Pandionidae |
| Genus | Pandion |
| Species | P. haliaetus |
21. Tufted Duck
The Tufted Duck or Tufted Pochard is a small diving duck that is native to Northern Eurasia. It has a population of close to one million birds. Its scientific name is derived from two words from the Ancient Greek language, “aithuia” and “fuligo”.
Aithuia was an unidentified seabird mentioned by authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle, while “fuligo” means “soot” and “gula” means “throat”.
This is likely due to the distinctive black and white markings on the Tufted Duck’s throat and neck, which give the appearance of being sooty. The Tufted Duck is an important species for wetlands and shallow coastal waters, as it feeds on aquatic plants and invertebrates.
It is a hardy species that is able to survive in a variety of habitats, and its population is stable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. fuligula |
22. Baikal Teal
Source: Wikipedia
The Baikal teal is a species of dabbling duck found in eastern Russia. It is also referred to as the bimaculate duck or squawk duck. This duck species is migratory, meaning it spends the summers breeding in eastern Russia and migrates south in the winter to East Asia.
This species of duck is found in shallow wetlands, such as lakes, ponds, marshes, and streams. It primarily feeds on aquatic plants, seeds, and insects. The male Baikal teal is a beautiful species with a grey-brown head and neck, dark wings, and a white belly.
The female is a much duller color, with a grey-brown head and neck, a white throat and belly, and a chestnut-brown back. The Baikal teal is also the world’s smallest dabbling duck, measuring only 16-18 cm in length.
Unfortunately, due to habitat loss and hunting, the population of this species has been declining in recent years. Fortunately, many conservation organizations are working to protect the remaining populations of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Sibirionetta |
| Species | S. formosa |
23. Common Goldeneye
The common goldeneye is a type of sea duck that belongs to the genus Bucephala, also known as the goldeneyes. Its closest relative is the Barrow’s goldeneye, another species of duck from the same genus.
The name of the genus, Bucephala, is derived from the Ancient Greek boukephalos, which is used to describe the bulbous head shape of the bufflehead, a closely related species of duck.
The common goldeneye is a medium-sized duck, with a distinct head shape that is often described as being bulbous. It has a black-and-white plumage, with a greenish-black head and a white-neck collar.
The goldeneye is an important species in the wild, as it feeds on aquatic invertebrates and helps to keep the local ecosystem in balance. It is also a popular bird among birdwatchers, due to its distinct appearance and its willingness to approach humans.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Bucephala |
| Species | B. clangula |
Conclusion
Birds in Hiroshima are a diverse and vibrant part of the city’s ecosystem. Hiroshima is home to a range of species, from the iconic Japanese White-eye to the elusive Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker.
These birds play an important role in the local environment, providing food and pollination for other wildlife. Hiroshima is a beautiful place to observe birds, and it is no surprise that many visitors come to the city to take a birdwatching tour.
With the right guidance, visitors can experience the wonders of Hiroshima’s avian life.