Mie Prefecture is a beautiful area of Japan known for its stunning natural scenery. It is home to various birds, including some endangered species. From gorgeous kingfishers to majestic eagles, there is something for everyone to enjoy here.
From the iconic Japanese crimson-eared pheasant to the majestic white-tailed sea eagle, the birds of Mie will delight and fascinate birdwatchers worldwide. With its abundance of bird species, Mie is a great place to observe and appreciate the beauty of birds.
10 Birds to Watch in Mie
Mie Prefecture is a great destination for birdwatchers, as it boasts a rich diversity of avian species. Whether a beginner or an expert, you will find something to delight your eyes and ears in Mie.
Here are 10 birds you should not miss when visiting this beautiful region of Japan.
1. Great Egret
The great egret is a large, widely distributed bird species that is commonly known by various names, such as the common egret, large egret, great white egret, or great white heron.
It is found in many areas worldwide, including Asia, Africa, the Americas, and southern Europe. More recently, the great egret has expanded its range and can now be found in more northern regions of Europe.
The great egret is a graceful bird species with white plumage and long yellow bills and legs. It is typically found in wetlands, marshes, and other wetland habitats. These birds, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, and insects, feed on prey.
The great egret is divided into four distinct subspecies based on geographical distribution.
These include the Great White Egret (Ardea alba), found in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and the Great White Heron (Ardea alba occidentalis) in southern North America.
The Great White Egret (Ardea alba egretta) is found in Central and South America, and the Great White Egret (Ardea alba melanorhynchos) is found in southern Europe.
The great egret is an iconic species and is considered a conservation symbol. This species is protected under international law and listed as a species of most minor concern on the IUCN Red List.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. alba |
2. Black-Headed Gull
The black-headed gull is a species of small gull that is found in various regions of the Palearctic. This species is widespread in Europe, where it breeds in multiple habitats during the summer months.
It is also found in coastal areas of eastern Canada, though it is not as widespread in this region as in Europe. Most black-headed gull populations migrate to warmer climates during the winter, such as southern Europe and northern Africa.
However, some birds remain in the westernmost areas of Europe, which tend to be milder and more hospitable for the species during the colder months.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chroicocephalus |
| Species | C. ridibundus |
3. Eurasian Wigeon
The Eurasian wigeon, also known as the European wigeon, widgeon, or simply wigeon, is a member of the dabbling duck genus Mareca.
It is a prevalent species of bird, found in the Palearctic region, which encompasses most of Europe, northern Africa, and Asia.
This wigeon species is one of three in the genus Mareca, which is why it is sometimes referred to as simply ‘wigeon’. The Eurasian wigeon is a large, colourful duck with a white forehead, a creamy-coloured crown, and a chestnut-brown body.
The males’ heads and necks are also reddish-brown, while the females’ are grey-brown. Its wings have white and greenish-brown patches, and its tail is black. The Eurasian wigeon typically feeds on aquatic vegetation, such as grasses, sedges, and other plants.
It can also be found around freshwater lakes, ponds, estuaries, and mudflats. The Eurasian wigeon is a migratory species often seen in large flocks during the winter months.
It typically breeds in the northern Palearctic region, in areas such as Scandinavia and northern Russia. It can be found as far south as the Mediterranean region and the Middle East during the winter.
The Eurasian wigeon is a highly adaptable species known to take advantage of artificial habitats and agricultural areas. It is also popular among birdwatchers and ornithologists due to its colourful plumage and wide range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mareca |
| Species | M. penelope |
4. Great Cormorant
The great cormorant is a species of seabird found in many different parts of the world. It is known by many different names depending on the region in which it is found. In New Zealand, it is known as the black shag or kawau.
It was formerly referred to as the great black cormorant across the Northern Hemisphere, the black cormorant in Australia, and the large cormorant in India. The great cormorant is a member of the cormorant family of seabirds, characterized by its large size and dark feathers.
It typically has a wingspan of up to 1.5 meters and a length of up to 75 centimetres. Its feathers are usually black or dark grey with a white or light grey belly.
It is often seen perched on rocks near the shore or swimming for prey. The great cormorant is an opportunistic feeder which feeds mainly on fish but will also eat other aquatic creatures such as crabs, molluscs, and eels.
It dives underwater in search of food and has reached depths of up to 30 meters. The great cormorant is a migratory species sometimes found in large flocks. The species breeds in colonies and nests together in trees or on cliffs.
It is a long-lived species, with some individuals known to have lived up to 30 years in the wild. The great cormorant is a species of concern due to its declining population in some parts of the world.
The species is threatened by human activities such as overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction. Conservation efforts are underway to help protect and preserve this species and its habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Genus | Phalacrocorax |
| Species | P. carbo |
5. Grey Plover
The grey plover is a migratory bird in many parts of the world. It is also known as the black-bellied plover in North America and is a large species.
It breeds in Arctic regions and is a long-distance migrant, meaning it can travel far and wide to search for food and a suitable breeding ground.
The grey plover has a nearly worldwide coastal distribution when not breeding and can be found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and South America.
Its ability to migrate long distances makes it an ideal species for studying the effects of climate change on migratory birds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Pluvialis |
| Species | P. squatarola |
6. Black-Tailed Gull
The black-tailed gull is a species of gull that is native to the shorelines of East Asia. It is a medium-sized bird easily recognizable by its black tail, which is why it is called the black-tailed gull.
It is often seen in coastal areas, such as beaches and tidal flats, but it can also be found in inland wetlands and rivers. The black-tailed gull typically feeds on small fish, crabs, mussels, and aquatic prey.
It has a distinctive diet, which helps it to stand out in its shoreline habitat. Additionally, it is a highly social species, often seen in large flocks gathered around food sources. The black-tailed gull is a monogamous species that mate for life.
During the breeding season, these birds form colonies and fiercely defend their nests from intruders.
The nest itself is typically made of vegetation and is lined with feathers. The black-tailed gull is a common sight in East Asian shorelines, where it is a vital part of the ecosystem.
Not only does it provide food for other animals, but it also helps to keep the shorelines clean by picking up bits of debris.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. crassirostris |
7. Black Kite
The black kite is one of the most common species of birds of prey in the world. It belongs to the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other raptors that hunt during the day.
Despite its abundance, some populations of black kites have experienced sharp declines or fluctuations. This could be due to various factors, including habitat loss, illegal hunting, and changes in the food supply.
In some areas, conservation efforts have been successful in helping to restore the black kite population. These efforts have included creating protected areas, monitoring populations, and implementing sustainable hunting practices.
By taking these steps, we can ensure that the black kite population remains healthy and abundant for future generations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Milvus |
| Species | M. migrans |
8. Great-Crested Grebe
The great crested grebe is a species of water bird member of the Podicipedidae family. It is native to much of Europe and parts of Asia and Africa but can also be found in other parts where it has been introduced.
This bird is known for its elaborate mating display, which consists of several complex behaviours such as head-throwing, head-shaking, and synchronized swimming.
During the mating display, the male and female birds swim side-by-side, intertwining their necks and lifting their heads out of the water. In addition, they will produce a loud, repetitive call to attract the attention of potential mates.
The great crested grebe is well-known for its elaborate courtship rituals and nesting behaviour. The birds will construct large, floating nests lined with feathers and vegetation.
The courtship involves the male swimming circles around the female while both birds stretch their heads and necks skyward. When the female is ready to mate, she will dip her head low and turn her back towards the male.
Great crested grebes are also known for their strong family bonds, with both parents helping to raise the young. The young will usually stay with their parents for up to a year before they are ready to go out independently.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Podiceps |
| Species | P. cristatus |
9. Whimbrel
The Eurasian or common whimbrel is a type of water bird belonging to the large family Scolopacidae. This species is also known as the white-rumped whimbrel in North America.
It is one of the most widespread curlews, being found across much of the subarctic region of Asia and Europe, including as far south as Scotland. The whimbrel has a large wingspan and a slim, long bill with a distinctive downward curve.
Its plumage is mainly grey-brown, with white patches on its belly and back. Its legs are yellow-green, and its r, ump is white.
The whimbrel population is believed to decline due to habitat destruction, and it is classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Numenius |
| Species | N. phaeopus |
10. Oystercatchers
Oystercatchers are a type of wading bird that belongs to the family Haematopodidae. This family only consists of a single genus, Haematopus.
Oystercatchers can be found in coastal regions worldwide, except in the polar regions and some tropical areas in Africa and Southeast Asia. They are usually seen foraging on the shoreline, searching for small animals such as insects and molluscs.
Oystercatchers feed on other items such as fish eggs, mussels, and seaweed. They have distinctive black and white plumage, and their bright red bills and legs easily recognize them.
Oystercatchers are known to be very territorial and will aggressively defend their nesting area from other birds and predators. They usually breed in colonies and can be seen gathering in large numbers along the shoreline during the breeding season.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Haematopodidae |
| Genus | Haematopus |
Conclusion
Birds are an essential part of the Mie ecosystem and contribute to biodiversity. They provide food and resources for humans while also helping to regulate the environment by controlling insect populations, pollinating plants, and dispersing seeds.
Although birds face challenges such as habitat destruction and climate change, conservation efforts are helping to protect them and their habitats. With continued conservation efforts, Mie’s birds can continue to thrive and contribute to the richness of the local environment.