Nagasaki is home to a wide variety of birds, many of which are native to the area. Over the years, the region has become known for its unique bird population, with some species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
From the majestic crane to the colorful kingfisher, the birds of Nagasaki add life and color to the landscape. The diverse range of habitats in Nagasaki, including mountain ranges, rivers, coastal areas, and inner city parks, provide ideal conditions for a wide variety of birds.
This makes Nagasaki a great destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
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. It has a wide native range, extending from Central Asia to Japan.
Populations of this species vary in terms of their plumage patterning and have been divided into six distinct subspecies. The Oriental turtle dove can be found in habitats ranging from grasslands and semi-deserts to woodlands and cultivation.
Its diet consists mainly of plant material such as grass seeds, grains, and some fruits. These birds fly in flocks and are mainly active during the day.
They are also known to migrate long distances in search of better food sources. The Oriental turtle dove is a medium-sized bird, with a distinctively long tail. It is characterized by its rufous plumage, which is darker on the head and wings, and lighter on the underside.
The male has a blackish throat patch, while the female has a white one. The nesting habits of the Oriental turtle dove vary from region to region. It typically builds a nest of twigs and grasses in a tree or on the ground.
It lays two eggs, which are incubated for around two weeks. The chicks are fed a mixture of insects and plant material. The Oriental turtle dove is considered to be a species of least concern by the IUCN. However, its populations are declining due to habitat loss and degradation.
This species is also threatened by hunting and trapping in some parts of its range. Conservation efforts to conserve this species are ongoing and include habitat protection, research, and education.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. orientalis |
2. Little Grebe
The little grebe, also known as dabchick, is a small water bird that belongs to the grebe family. Its scientific name, takhus ruficollis, is derived from Ancient Greek and Latin roots.
The genus name, takhus, is derived from the Ancient Greek word for “fast”, while the specific name, ruficollis, is derived from the Latin words for “red” and “-necked”. The “-necked” part of the name is itself derived from the Latin word for “neck”, collum.
This reflects the fact that the little grebe has a distinctive reddish-colored neck. The combination of the Ancient Greek and Latin words in its scientific name suggests that this bird is not only fast, but also has a beautiful neck.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Tachybaptus |
| Species | T. ruficollis |
3. White-Bellied Green Pigeon
Source: ebird.org
The white-bellied green pigeon is a species of bird found in many parts of Asia. It is a member of the Columbidae family, which includes doves and pigeons. The bird is native to temperate forests in China, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Russia, Taiwan, Thailand, India, and Vietnam.
What makes the white-bellied green pigeon particularly interesting is its unusual habit of drinking saltwater. This behavior is rarely seen in other species of birds, and it is not yet fully understood why they do it.
Despite the fact that salt water is not an optimal source of hydration, the pigeons seem to be perfectly healthy. It is possible that they are able to extract some sort of benefit from the salt, although this has not been proven.
The white-bellied green pigeon is an important species in Asia, and it is vital that its natural habitats are protected from human activity. It is estimated that the population of the pigeon has decreased by around 20% in recent years due to deforestation and other threats.
Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Treron |
| Species | T. sieboldii |
4. Lesser Cuckoo
Source: ebird.org
The lesser cuckoo is a small species of cuckoo bird that is found in many places around the world. It is part of the family Cuculidae, which includes cuckoos, roadrunners, coucals, and anis.
It is native to Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Kenya, North Korea, South Korea, and other parts of Southeast Asia. The lesser cuckoo is a medium-sized bird, usually around nine to eleven inches in length.
It is mainly gray and white in color, with a yellow bill and a long tail.
Its plumage is well adapted to camouflage itself in its natural habitat, which is usually dense, thick vegetation. The lesser cuckoo has a wide range of vocalizations, including a variety of coos and trills.
Its diet consists mainly of insects and other small invertebrates, along with some fruit and vegetables. It is a solitary bird, meaning it usually does not form large flocks. The lesser cuckoo is quite common in its range and is not considered to be threatened.
It is listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. However, it may be locally threatened due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure its continued survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Cuculus |
| Species | C. poliocephalus |
5. Oriental Cuckoo
The Oriental cuckoo, or Horsfields cuckoo, is a species in the cuckoo family Cuculidae. It can be found in the genus Cuculus.
Historically, the Oriental cuckoo was classified as a subspecies of the Himalayan cuckoo, and it was referred to as the ‘Oriental cuckoo’ for the combined species.
This bird is one of the most widespread cuckoo species in the world, and it is found in several countries, including Japan, China, India, and Southeast Asia.
It is a medium-sized bird, growing to a length of about 33-38 cm, and it is a ground feeder, mainly eating insects, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. Its call is a familiar sound in wooded areas, usually announcing the arrival of the breeding season.
The Horsfields cuckoo is a fairly adaptable species, and its population appears to be stable, although its conservation status is listed as being of least concern.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Cuculus |
| Species | C. optatus |
6. Harlequin Duck
The harlequin duck is a unique sea duck that gets its name from the character of Harlequin from Commedia dell’arte. This character was known for their brightly colored clothing, which is what the duck is named after.
The species name of the duck is derived from the Latin word “histrio”, meaning “actor”, which is quite fitting. In North America, the duck is also known as lord and lady.
This is likely because of the vibrant colors the duck displays, similar to how lords and ladies are associated with wealth and power. The harlequin duck is an interesting species, with a name and origin story that makes it truly unique.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Histrionicus |
| Species | H. histrionicus |
7. Green Pheasant
The green pheasant is a species of bird that is native to the Japanese archipelago, meaning it is not found anywhere else in the world. It is also known as the Japanese green pheasant due to its exclusive location.
It is an omnivorous bird, meaning it eats both plants and animals. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of the common pheasant, Phasianus colchicus, though some taxonomic authorities argue it is a different species.
The green pheasant holds a special place in Japanese culture, being named the national bird of Japan. This is a testament to the importance of the green pheasant in the culture and history of the Japanese people.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Phasianus |
| Species | P. versicolor |
8. Baikal Teal
Source: Wikipedia
The Baikal teal is a species of dabbling duck, a type of duck that feeds by reaching into shallow water to find food with its bill, rather than by diving underwater. It is also known by two other names, the bimaculate duck and the squawk duck.
This species is native to eastern Russia, where it breeds during the summertime. During the winter, it migrates to East Asia, where it spends the cold months. The Baikal teal is a medium-sized duck, with the male typically being a bit larger than the female.
Its plumage is mainly brown but with a distinctive white patch on the head, and a white patch on the lower back. Its wings are relatively short, allowing it to maneuver quickly in the air. It is also known for its loud, croaky call.
This species is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, due to habitat destruction and hunting pressure.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Sibirionetta |
| Species | S. formosa |
9. Eurasian Collared Dove
The Eurasian collared dove is a species of dove native to Europe and Asia that has been introduced to other parts of the world, such as Japan, North America, and the Caribbean, over the years.
Its wide range of habitats and increasing population have resulted in its listing as Least Concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List since 2014.
This means that the species is not currently threatened with extinction, despite its decreasing natural habitats due to human activities. The dove is a medium-sized species that usually has a grey body, white collar, and black-tipped tail.
It is a highly adaptable species that has thrived in both urban and rural habitats, including parks, gardens, and agricultural fields.
It is mainly a seed eater, but it also feeds on insects and other small animals. The Eurasian collared dove is a highly social species that often forms flocks, especially during the breeding season. It builds a platform nest of twigs, which it places in trees or on buildings.
This species has a loud, cooing call that can be heard even at a considerable distance. Its wide distribution and increasing population have allowed it to remain listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
However, ongoing threats to its natural habitats, such as deforestation and other human activities, could still put the species in danger of extinction if not properly addressed.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. decaocto |
10. Copper Pheasant
Source: ebird.org
The copper pheasant, also known as Soemmerring’s pheasant, is a species of bird that is only found in Japan. It is characterised by its colourful plumage, which consists of a copper-coloured body and a white head.
The scientific name of the copper pheasant is Syrmaticus soemmerringii, and it was given in honour of the German scientist Samuel Thomas von Sömmerring.
Sömmerring was a renowned naturalist in the 18th century, and his work helped to further our understanding of zoology and anatomy. He was also known for his study of fossils and extinct species, making him an important figure in the history of science.
The copper pheasant is a reminder of his accomplishments, as its scientific name is a tribute to his legacy.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Syrmaticus |
| Species | S. soemmerringii |
11. White-Naped Crane
The white-naped crane is a large bird belonging to the crane family. It is approximately 112 to 125 cm in length and 130 cm in height and weighs around 5.6 kg. It has distinctive pinkish legs and a grey-and-white striped neck, as well as a red face patch.
This unique color combination makes it easily recognizable among the other cranes. The white-naped crane is a migratory bird, spending the winter in parts of Northern India, Nepal, and Pakistan, and then traveling to Russia and China for the summer.
It nests in wetlands, which provide a plentiful food source for the crane. Its diet consists of frogs, fish, insects, seeds, and other aquatic animals.
The white-naped crane is considered vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, primarily due to habitat loss and degradation. This species is also in danger of being hunted for bushmeat, and its eggs are sometimes collected for food.
In addition, its wetland habitat is being drained and degraded due to human activities such as agricultural development. The white-naped crane is a beautiful and distinct species whose population is steadily declining.
It is important to protect its habitat and ensure that it is not hunted or collected for food. Through conservation efforts, we can help ensure that this species is not driven to extinction.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Gruidae |
| Genus | Antigone |
| Species | A. vipio |
12. Streaked Shearwater
The streaked shearwater is a large seabird species that can be found throughout the Pacific Ocean. It is about 48 cm in length and has a wingspan of 122 cm. This species is unique because it has a mottled brown and white back with a white underside.
Its long wings are pointed, and it has a white head and neck, giving it a distinctive look. The streaked shearwater is a highly migratory species, and it can be observed in large flocks all over the world.
They typically feed on small fish, crustaceans, and squid, and they have been seen diving as deep as 50 meters in search of food. During migration, the birds travel in large flocks and can often be heard calling out to each other.
The streaked shearwater is an important species, as it plays a vital role in the ocean’s food web, helping to maintain the balance of the marine ecosystem..
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Procellariidae |
| Genus | Calonectris |
| Species | C. leucomelas |
13. Baer’s Pochard
Baer’s pochard is a unique species of duck that is found only in eastern Asia. It is a migratory bird, which means it travels to different areas according to the season.
During the summer it is found in North and Central China, and in the winter it migrates south to countries such as Vietnam, Japan, and India. This species is considered to be monotypic, meaning that there is only one type of this duck.
The holotype, or the original specimen of this species, was found in the middle of the Amur River. Baer’s pochard is a large diving duck, with males having bright chestnut-colored heads and females having a more subtle mottled brown and grey coloration.
It feeds mainly on aquatic plants and small fishes, and nests close to lakes and rivers. It is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, mainly due to the destruction of its habitat and overhunting.
Conservation efforts have been put in place to protect the species, and populations are slowly starting to recover.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. baeri |
14. Hooded Crane
The hooded crane is a species of crane found in East Asia and is a common migratory bird in Japan. Its scientific name is Grus monacha, and it is a medium-sized crane, with a wingspan of around two meters.
It has a white body with a black or grey-brown hood on the head and neck area and white and black wings.
The hooded crane is typically found near wetlands, such as marshes, swamps, and tundra, and feeds on aquatic plants, insects, fish, and small mammals. The hooded crane is an important symbol of luck, longevity, and fidelity in traditional Japanese culture.
It is an auspicious bird because of its long life, and the long-distance migrations it undertakes. It is also believed that the hooded crane can bring luck to those who see it.
During the annual winter migration, hundreds of thousands of hooded cranes fly to the warmer climate of Japan, and it is seen as a symbol of hope in the country.The hooded crane is also an important species for conservation, and is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Its population has declined in recent years due to habitat destruction and degradation, hunting, and the loss of wetlands.
Several conservation efforts have been initiated in order to protect the species, such as the establishment of protected areas, the improvement of wetland management, and the implementation of education and awareness programs.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Gruidae |
| Genus | Grus |
| Species | G. monacha |
15. Rock Dove
The rock dove, rock pigeon, or common pigeon is a species of bird from the Columbidae family. It is often referred to simply as the “pigeon”. This species is thought to be the ancestor of the domestic pigeon, which is its domesticated counterpart.
As a result of domestic pigeons being released or escaping into the wild, there has been an increase in the number of feral pigeon populations around the world. This means that the wild populations of rock doves are now augmented by the presence of escaped domestic pigeons.
This is an example of how human activity can affect the natural environment and the animal populations within it.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. livia |
16. Red-Crowned Crane
The red-crowned crane is an impressive bird native to East Asia. It is a large crane, and is also known as the Manchurian crane. It is considered to be one of the rarest cranes in the world, making it an animal of special significance.
In many parts of its range, it is seen as a symbol of luck, longevity, and fidelity. For example, the red-crowned crane is a popular motif in traditional Japanese art, symbolizing long life and fidelity.
It is also a popular symbol in Chinese culture, representing luck and prosperity. In Korea, the red-crowned crane is a symbol of fidelity and loyalty and is thought to be a messenger of peace.
The crane’s reputation as a symbol of luck, longevity, and fidelity has made it a popular subject for artwork and literature. It is often depicted in paintings, sculptures, and other works of art, as well as being mentioned in poetry and other literature.
In short, the red-crowned crane is a majestic bird that has been associated with luck, longevity, and fidelity in East Asian cultures for centuries.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Gruidae |
| Genus | Grus |
| Species | G. japonensis |
17. Short-Tailed Shearwater
The short-tailed shearwater, also known as the slender-billed shearwater, Yolla, and moon bird, is a seabird species that is native to Australia. It is one of the most abundant seabird species in Australian waters and is recognized by its unique call.
It is also commonly known as the muttonbird in Australia. The fascinating thing about this species is that the chicks are harvested and sold commercially. This practice has been going on for centuries and is the primary source of income for some communities.
The short-tailed shearwater is a medium-sized seabird that is usually gray or brown in color. It has a long, thin bill and a short tail, hence its name. It is found breeding along the east and south coast of Australia, and can be seen in large numbers during the breeding season.
They feed on small fish, crustaceans, and squid which they catch with their hooked bills while swimming at the surface of the ocean. The short-tailed shearwater is a migratory species, and during summer it can be found in the northern waters of Australia and New Zealand.
During the winter months, it migrates to the southern waters around Australia and New Zealand, as well as the subantarctic islands and the Antarctic peninsula. The harvesting of the chicks of the short-tailed shearwater is a contentious issue in Australia.
It is believed to be unsustainable and potentially damaging to the species, although some communities rely heavily on the practice. The harvesting of the chicks is regulated by the state governments, and some states have even banned the practice altogether.
The short-tailed shearwater is an important part of the Australian ecosystem and it is vital that it is protected. With the right conservation measures in place, this species can continue to flourish in its native waters.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Procellariidae |
| Genus | Ardenna |
| Species | A. tenuirostris |
18. Japanese Night Heron
The Japanese night heron is a species of night heron that is native to East Asia. It breeds in Japan during the summer season and migrates to the Philippines and Indonesia to spend its winters there.
During the spring and summer months, it can also be observed in Korea and in the Russian Far East. The Japanese night heron prefers to inhabit dense, damp forests, both in its breeding grounds in Japan and its wintering grounds in the Philippines and Indonesia.
The dense and damp forests provide the heron with shelter and food, while also allowing it to hide from potential predators. Additionally, these areas provide a cool and moist environment that is ideal for the heron to reside in.
The heron usually nests in tree hollows, and it feeds on small insects and amphibians that can be found in the forest.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Gorsachius |
| Species | G. goisagi |
19. Long-Tailed Duck
The long-tailed duck is a species of sea duck that is found in many parts of the world. It is known for its distinctive long tail, which gives it its name. Formerly known as the oldsquaw, it is a medium-sized duck that breeds in the tundra and taiga regions of the Arctic.
During the winter season, it migrates south to the northern coastlines of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
The long-tailed duck is the only species in the genus Clangula, which is why it is also sometimes referred to as the ‘Oldsquaw’.The long-tailed duck is mainly found in freshwater habitats, such as lakes and ponds.
It feeds on small aquatic invertebrates, such as insects, molluscs and crustaceans. It can also be seen foraging for food in shallow waters.
The bird is particularly vulnerable to environmental changes, such as temperature fluctuation, as its range is limited to cool climates. The long-tailed duck is a fairly common bird, but its population has been declining in recent years.
This is due to the destruction of its habitat, caused by climate change, human activities such as hunting and fishing, and the introduction of invasive species. Conservation efforts are currently in place to help protect the species and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Clangula |
| Species | C. hyemalis |
20. Short-Tailed Albatross
The short-tailed albatross, also known as Steller’s albatross, is a rare seabird that inhabits the North Pacific Ocean.
It is a large species of albatross and is closely related to other North Pacific albatrosses, yet it also shares some similarities with the albatrosses that inhabit the Southern Ocean.
In terms of behaviour, the short-tailed albatross has been observed to have some of the same traits as the Southern Ocean albatrosses, such as the tendency to flock together in large groups and the same courtship displays.
Physically, the short-tailed albatross also has some common features with its Southern Ocean counterparts, such as a similar wing shape and a large, hooked bill.
This indicates that the albatrosses of the North Pacific and the Southern Ocean may have shared a common ancestor at some point in the past.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Diomedeidae |
| Genus | Phoebastria |
| Species | P. albatrus |
Conclusion
Birds play an important role in the environment of Nagasaki, providing a source of beauty and entertainment for local residents. The variety of bird species in the area is quite impressive, ranging from sea birds to shorebirds to migratory species.
Despite the destruction of the environment in Nagasaki due to human activity, many species of birds are still able to thrive in the area, providing a valuable source of biodiversity.