Miyazaki is a prefecture located in the Kyushu region of Japan, and it is home to some of the most diverse and fascinating bird species in the country.
From the rare and elusive Japanese Crested Ibis to the vibrant and colorful Japanese White-eye, Miyazaki is a great destination for bird watchers from around the world.
With its diverse habitats ranging from coastal wetlands and grasslands to forests and mountains, Miyazaki provides a unique and wonderful opportunity to observe a wide variety of avian species.
Whether you are a novice birder or a seasoned expert, Miyazaki is sure to provide an unforgettable experience and lasting memories of the many birds that call this remarkable land home.
1. White-Bellied Green Pigeon
The white-bellied green pigeon is a species of bird belonging to the family Columbidae, which also includes doves and pigeons. It is found in several countries in Asia, such as China, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Russia, Taiwan, Thailand, India, and Vietnam.
This species typically inhabits temperate forests and is known for its unusual habit of drinking saltwater.
This behavior is thought to be an adaptation to the bird’s environment, as it allows the white-bellied green pigeon to obtain minerals and other nutrients that are not found in freshwater.
Additionally, foraging in saltwater may be a way for the pigeon to avoid competition from other species of birds.
Despite its unique drinking habit, the white-bellied green pigeon is not listed as an endangered species, although its population is believed to be declining due to loss of habitat and hunting.
It is important to protect the natural habitat of this species in order to ensure its continued survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Treron |
| Species | T. sieboldii |
2. Common Kingfisher
The common kingfisher is a small bird with a widespread distribution across Eurasia and North Africa. It is commonly referred to as the Eurasian kingfisher and river kingfisher and is divided into seven subspecies.
It is primarily a resident bird, meaning that it remains in the same areas year-round, though it will migrate to areas where rivers freeze during the winter months.
The kingfisher’s diet consists of small fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic creatures, and they often perch on riverbanks, trees, and other areas overlooking bodies of water.
They have a distinct, loud call that can be heard from some distance away and their bright feathers make them a colorful sight. The common kingfisher is a fascinating and unique species that is well-known across its range for its beauty and distinctive voice.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Genus | Alcedo |
| Species | A. atthis |
3. Eastern Spot-Billed Duck
The eastern spot-billed duck, also known as the Chinese spot-billed duck, is a species of dabbling duck that is native to East and Southeast Asia. This species was once thought to be a subspecies of the Indian spot-billed duck and both were known simply as the spot-billed duck.
The origin of the name of these ducks is derived from the yellow spot on their bills. The spot is located near the tip of the bill and is usually a bright yellow color. This species of duck is usually found in large groups in shallow wetlands.
They feed on aquatic plants, invertebrates, and occasionally small fish. They are considered to be a common species and their population is considered to be stable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. zonorhyncha |
4. Mallard
The mallard or wild duck is a widely spread species of duck, native to the temperate and subtropical regions of America, Eurasia, and North Africa. It is a dabbling duck, meaning it feeds by tipping its head underwater and lifting it again to swallow its prey.
This species of duck has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa.
It is possible that these introductions are due to the fact that the mallard is a hardy species and can adapt to a wide range of habitats, from urban parks to wetlands. In addition, its diet is varied, and it is able to feed on both plant material and small aquatic animals.
The Mallard is a popular species of duck for hunters, as it is relatively easy to hunt and provides a tasty meal. Its introduction to other parts of the world has been a huge success, and it is now a common sight in many parts of the globe.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. platyrhynchos |
5. Common Pochard
The common pochard is a species of duck that is known for its ability to dive underwater in search of prey. It is a medium-sized bird, with its scientific name, Aythya ferina, being derived from two sources.
The first part of the name, Aythya, is derived from the Greek word aithuia, which was used by authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle to refer to an unidentified seabird.
The second part of the name, ferina, is derived from the Latin word ferus, meaning “wild”, and the Latin word ferina which means “wild game”. This reflects the wild nature of the common pochard, which is found in both freshwater and saltwater habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. ferina |
6. Eurasian Wigeon
The Eurasian wigeon is a species of dabbling duck that is found within the Palearctic region, which includes Europe and parts of Asia. It is also known by various other names such as the European wigeon, the widgeon, or simply the wigeon.
This species belongs to the genus Mareca, which includes three different species of wigeon. The Eurasian wigeon is a common and widespread species within its range and is often seen in wetlands, marshes, and other areas where there is plenty of open water.
It is a fairly large duck, measuring up to 24 inches in length and weighing up to two and a half pounds. Its plumage is mostly grayish-brown on the head, neck, and back, with a white belly, breast, and flanks. The male also has a striking green head and a chestnut-colored chest.
The Eurasian wigeon is an omnivore, feeding on a variety of aquatic plants, insects, and small fish. It is also known to eat grains, berries, and other fruits. The species is usually found in large flocks, often numbering in the thousands.
During the winter months, they can be seen migrating south to more temperate regions, where they can find more food and better protection from the cold. All in all, the Eurasian wigeon is a fascinating species of dabbling duck.
Its striking plumage, varied diet, and large flocks make it a memorable sight for any birdwatcher.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mareca |
| Species | M. penelope |
7. Tufted Duck
The tufted duck, also known as the tufted pochard, is a small duck that is found in northern Eurasia. It has a population of around one million birds.
Its scientific name is derived from Ancient Greek aithuia, which was an unidentified seabird mentioned by authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle.
The Latin words fuligo and gula are also part of its scientific name; fuligo means “soot” and gula means “throat”.The tufted duck has distinctive features that distinguish it from other water birds.
Its feathers are dark brown in colour with a white crest on the back of the head. Its neck is black with a white streak down the side and its bill is pale grey. The tufted duck is a strong swimmer and is found in bodies of water such as lakes, ponds, and rivers.
It primarily feeds on aquatic plants and small invertebrates. It is a migratory species and can be seen in winter in the coastal areas of Europe, India, and Africa. The tufted duck is an important species for many reasons.
It is an important part of the ecosystem as it helps to control the population of aquatic insects and other invertebrates, which in turn helps to keep the water clean.
It is also an important part of the food chain and provides food for larger animals such as fish and birds of prey. Its conservation is also important as it is a species of international concern.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. fuligula |
8. Black Eared Kite
The black kite is a type of bird of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family. This family is composed of diurnal raptors, meaning birds that hunt during the day.
This species is thought to be the most abundant in the world amongst its family, although some of its populations have seen significant decreases in numbers or experienced significant fluctuations in population sizes.
It is believed that the reasons for these declines or changes are due to factors such as loss of habitat or changes in the food supply.
Conservation efforts are in place to prevent further decreases in the black kite population and to promote their populations in areas where they may have experienced declines.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Milvus |
| Species | M. migrans |
9. Ruddy Kingfisher
The ruddy kingfisher is a species of kingfisher found in east and southeast Asia. It is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring around 30 cm in length. It is a tree kingfisher, meaning it can be found in trees or amongst vegetation near rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
It has a bright red head and underparts, and blue upperparts. It has a long bill and a short, squared-off tail. It feeds on a variety of aquatic prey, including fish, crustaceans, insects, and frogs. Its call is a loud, repetitive piping sound.
The ruddy kingfisher has a very wide distribution and can be found in countries such as India, Bangladesh, China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
It is generally common in most of its range, though it is declining in some areas due to habitat loss and degradation. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, meaning its population is stable and not threatened.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Genus | Halcyon |
| Species | H. coromanda |
10. Japanese Woodpecker
The Japanese pygmy woodpecker is a species of woodpecker that is found in coniferous and deciduous forests in different parts of Asia. It is native to Russia, China, Korea, and Japan.
This species of woodpecker is part of the genus Dendrocopos or Picoides, which are group of related species. The Japanese pygmy woodpecker has a small body size and is usually around 14 cm long. It has a black head and neck, a white throat, and a grey-brown back.
Its bill is short and its tail is fairly long. The Japanese pygmy woodpecker feeds mainly on insects and larvae, which it can find in small crevices in the bark of trees. It also feeds on small fruits, seeds, and nuts.
This species of woodpecker is mostly found in coniferous forests, where it builds its nest in tree holes. It is also found in deciduous forests, where it forages for food.
The Japanese pygmy woodpecker is an important species in the forests of Asia as it helps to keep insect populations in check. It is also an important species to local people as it provides food and can be hunted for sport.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Yungipicus |
| Species | Y. kizuki |
11. Temminck’s Cormorant
The Japanese cormorant, also known as Temminck’s cormorant, is a species of aquatic bird native to east Palearctic regions. This species is found in Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and the Russian Far East.
It has a black body with a white throat and cheek region, and its bill is partially yellow in color. This species is easily identifiable due to its unique plumage. Its black body contrasts against the white of its throat and cheeks, while its bill is partially yellow.
This coloring allows the species to blend in with its environment, providing camouflage from potential predators. Cormorants are excellent swimmers and dive to depths of up to 30 feet to catch fish, their primary food source.
The Japanese cormorant is an important species in Japanese culture and is used in a traditional fishing technique known as ukai. Cormorants are trained to catch fish and return to their handler with their catch in their beaks.
This practice has been used for centuries and is still practiced today in certain areas of Japan. The Japanese cormorant is an important species in east Palearctic regions, both ecologically and culturally.
Its unique plumage and its use in traditional fishing make it an interesting and important species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Genus | Phalacrocorax |
| Species | P. capillatus |
12. Kingfisher
Kingfishers are a family of birds known as the Alcedinidae, which are found in the order Coraciiformes. These birds range in size from small to medium-sized and are known for their bright colors.
They are widely distributed across the globe, with the majority of species found in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Oceania. However, they can also be seen in Europe, making them truly cosmopolitan. Kingfishers are a diverse group, with around 90 species in total.
They can be found in both fresh and saltwater habitats, as well as in forests and open areas. They feed on a variety of prey, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, and insects. They also have a distinct hunting style, where they dive into the water to catch their prey.
Kingfishers are unique birds that bring color and life to the environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
13. Red-Rumped Swallow
The red-rumped swallow is a small bird of the swallow family, which is found across a wide range of geographical areas.
It breeds in open hilly areas of temperate southern Europe and Asia, from Portugal and Spain in the west to Japan, India, Sri Lanka, and tropical Africa in the east.
The birds that inhabit India and Africa are non-migratory, while those in Europe and other parts of Asia are migratory, meaning they travel to different regions in search of food or better living conditions, typically when the weather becomes colder.
This wide range of habitats makes the red-rumped swallow one of the most widely distributed birds in the world, and the fact that they can adapt to different environments is a testament to their resilience.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Cecropis |
| Species | C. daurica |
14. Little Egret
The Little Egret is a species of small heron found in the Ardeidae family. It is a mostly white bird, with a long, thin black beak and black legs. The western race of the species has a distinguishing feature of yellow feet.
As an aquatic bird, it is able to feed both in shallow water and on land. Its diet consists of a wide variety of small creatures, including insects, fish, and crustaceans. The Little Egret is an adaptable bird that is often seen along the coastlines of many countries.
It is also known to inhabit wetlands, marshes, estuaries, and mangrove swamps, as well as other shallow bodies of water.
Its habitat is usually found in temperate and tropical regions, but it can also be seen in the warmer parts of Europe and North America. Little Egrets are often found in colonies and are known to migrate over long distances.
During the breeding season, the birds are monogamous and will often form long-term pair bonds. To build their nests, they use small twigs and other materials found in the area.
The female will typically lay three to five eggs and the chicks will fledge after about three weeks. Overall, the Little Egret is an interesting species of small heron found in many parts of the world.
It is a graceful bird with a slender black beak, long black legs, and yellow feet in the western race. It is an aquatic bird that is able to feed in shallow waters and on land, making it a versatile and adaptable species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. garzetta |
15. Blue-and-White Flycatcher
The blue-and-white flycatcher is a migratory songbird belonging to the family Muscicapidae, also known as the Old World flycatcher family.
This species is also known as the Japanese flycatcher because it is native to the regions of Japan, Korea, and some parts of northeastern China and the Russian Far East.
It is thought that the flycatcher migrates and breeds in these areas due to its preference for a temperate climate and a vegetation-rich environment. The flycatcher is known for its beautiful blue and white plumage, which is easily recognizable in the wild.
Its diet is mainly made up of insects, berries, and other small creatures. The blue-and-white flycatcher is an important species for the conservation of biodiversity in its native range due to its unique characteristics.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Cyanoptila |
| Species | C. cyanomelana |
16. Crested Kingfisher
The crested kingfisher is an impressive bird species found in parts of southern Asia, from India to Japan. It is the largest of the kingfisher family and is distinguished by its large size and long crest. It is also the only species of the Megaceryle genus.
This genus is composed of four distinct species, all of which share certain similarities in size, habitat and behavior. The crested kingfisher is found in a variety of habitats, from wetland swamps to wooded areas and even coastal regions.
It feeds on a range of small prey, including fish, frogs, insects and crustaceans. It is usually seen perched on a branch overhanging water, from which it dives to catch its prey. The crested kingfisher is a highly social bird, often seen in groups of up to six individuals.
It is an active and vocal species, with a loud call that is easily recognisable. Its plumage is predominantly grey and white, with a black band running through the middle of its back. Its crest is long and pointed and is usually held erect.
The crested kingfisher is a long-distance migrant, travelling great distances between its breeding and wintering grounds. It is a highly adaptable species, with a wide range in which it is found.
It is also an important species in many cultures, with its image being used in art, literature and folklore.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Genus | Megaceryle |
| Species | M. lugubris |
17. White-Naped Crane
The white-naped crane is an impressive bird member of the crane family. It is an impressive sight, standing at around 130 cm tall, and with its characteristic pinkish legs, a grey-and-white-striped neck, and a red face patch.
It is also quite a large bird, with a length of 112-125 cm and weighing a hefty 5.6 kg. This bird is a fascinating sight, and one can easily spot it from a distance. Its distinctive features are the red face patch and the grey-and-white-striped neck.
The white-naped crane is also a migratory bird and can be found in wetlands, grassland, and agricultural areas. It has a varied diet, including plant matter, small mammals, amphibians, and insects.
The white-naped crane is an important species in its ecosystem, and is threatened by habitat destruction and human activities such as hunting. Despite the threats it faces, the species is still listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Conservation efforts have been put in place to protect this species, and hopefully, with continued effort, the white-naped crane can continue to thrive in its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Gruidae |
| Genus | Antigone |
| Species | A. vipio |
18. Japanese Paradise Flycatcher
The black paradise flycatcher is a species of passerine bird native to southeastern Asia. It is a medium-sized bird and is easily recognizable by its glossy black, chestnut, and white plumage.
It is slightly smaller than the Amur paradise flycatcher and the Blyth’s paradise flycatcher but is similar in appearance to them. Its head is glossy black, with chestnut or reddish-brown wings and tail.
It has a white throat and a white patch on its back, with a black tail tip and a white-tipped tail. Its white belly and under tail are distinctively spotted with black.
The black paradise flycatcher is found in a range of habitats in its native Southeast Asia, including forests, gardens, grasslands, and shrubland. It feeds mainly on insects, but also eats fruit.
The black paradise flycatcher is an active bird, often seen perching in open areas or flying overhead in search of food. It is a shy bird and can be difficult to spot in the dense foliage of its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Monarchidae |
| Genus | Terpsiphone |
| Species | T. atrocaudata |
19. Pacific Reef Egret
The Pacific reef heron is a species of heron found in various parts of the world. Commonly known as the eastern reef heron or eastern reef egret, this species is native to many countries in southern Asia and Oceania. It is a medium-sized heron, with a body length of up to 80 cm.
Pacific reef herons are characterized by their two distinct color morphs, which can be either slaty grey or pure white. Both the male and female Pacific reef herons have similar appearances and can be easily distinguished from other heron species.
These herons have long, yellow legs, and a yellow bill that is slightly hooked at the tip. They also have a white head, neck, and chest with a dark brown back and a dark brown or black tail.
The Pacific reef heron is a solitary bird, and can often be seen standing in shallow waters on rocky shores or coral reefs, feeding on small fish and other aquatic creatures.
These herons are also known to breed in colonies, and the males are known to perform a unique courtship display which involves spreading their wings and bowing.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. sacra |
20. Blue Rock Thrush
The blue rock thrush is a type of bird belonging to the chat family of Old World flycatchers. This bird is a thrush-like species, meaning it is similar in appearance to a thrush, and was formerly classified in the Turdidae family.
It can be found in a variety of places throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, and China, as well as the Malaysian regions. The blue rock thrush thrives in hot, arid climates and is found in areas like rocky cliffs, open woodlands, and grassy areas.
It is a medium-sized bird, with a body measuring between 20-25 cm long and a wingspan of up to 45 cm. The male is grayish-blue in color, while the female is a more dull brown color.
The blue rock thrush feeds on insects, berries, and other small invertebrates. The blue rock thrush is an important part of the ecosystem, as it helps to control insect populations and disperse seeds.
It is also an important species for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike, as it is a beautiful bird to observe in its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Monticola |
| Species | M. solitarius |
21. Japanese Murrelet
The Japanese murrelet is a small seabird that is part of the auk family. It can be found along the rocky coasts of Japan and in the offshore waters of the country. After the breeding season, it can be found as far north as Sakhalin and particularly off the coast of South Korea.
This species of bird is unique to Japan and is a strongly migratory species, traveling great distances to breed. During the breeding season, they nest in remote rocky areas and are usually seen in small groups.
This species of bird also feeds primarily on small fish and other marine invertebrates. As a result of its declining population, the Japanese murrelet is now considered a vulnerable species and is listed on the IUCN Red List.
Conservation efforts are now being put in place to protect the species and ensure its population remains stable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Alcidae |
| Genus | Synthliboramphus |
| Species | S. wumizusume |
Conclusion
The birds of Miyazaki are a diverse and fascinating group of creatures, with many unique species that thrive in the region’s diverse habitats.
From the majestic Osprey to the colorful Tanagas, the birds of Miyazaki offer a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of nature in a truly unique way. With careful management and conservation, these birds can be enjoyed for generations to come.