Yamaguchi is a prefecture in Japan, and it is home to a great variety of birds. Many species of birds can be found in Yamaguchi, from small songbirds to large raptors. Some more common species include jays, thrushes, woodpeckers, and owls.
Many of the birds in Yamaguchi are migratory species, so the area is an important stopover point for birds traveling between mainland Japan and the nearby islands.
Yamaguchi is an excellent destination for anyone looking to observe and appreciate the many different bird species in the region.
14 Birds to Watch in Yamaguchi
Yamaguchi is a prefecture in Japan, and it is home to a great variety of birds. Many species of birds can be found in Yamaguchi, from small songbirds to large raptors. Some more common species include jays, thrushes, woodpeckers, and owls.
Many of the birds in Yamaguchi are migratory species, so the area is an important stopover point for birds traveling between mainland Japan and the nearby islands.
Yamaguchi is an excellent destination for anyone looking to observe and appreciate the many different species of birds found in the region.
Here are 14 birds that you should watch out for when visiting Yamaguchi.
1. Long-Billed Plover
The long-billed plover is a unique wading bird species in the Charadriidae family. It is found in a variety of countries throughout Asia, ranging from Bangladesh to Vietnam. This species is typically found in damp areas, such as wet grasslands, marshes, or mudflats.
It is also known to inhabit coastal areas. The long-billed plover is a small bird, typically measuring between 15 and 18 centimeters in length. It has a white underside with a grayish-brown back and wings.
Its most distinctive feature is its long bill, which is used to forage for insects, worms, and other invertebrates in the mud. The long-billed plover is known to form small flocks when foraging, which helps them find food more efficiently.
They are also known to be quite vocal, making a variety of chirping and trilling calls. The long-billed plover is an essential species in its range, as it helps to keep insect populations in check.
Unfortunately, it is also threatened in some areas due to the destruction of wetlands and other habitats. As such, it is essential to be aware of this species’s threats and work to protect its habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Charadrius |
| Species | C. placidus |
2. Black Kite
The black kite is a species of raptor, meaning it is a bird of prey that hunts other animals for food. It belongs to the family Accipitridae, a group of diurnal birds of prey with a wide variety of species.
The black kite is considered the most abundant species of Accipitridae in the world, although the population has decreased significantly in some areas. This could be due to various factors, such as deforestation and hunting.
The population has fluctuated in other areas, meaning it has gone up and down. Conservation efforts are necessary to ensure that the black kite continues to survive and remain abundant.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Milvus |
| Species | M. migrans |
3. Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker
The Japanese pygmy woodpecker is a species of bird found mainly in coniferous and deciduous forests in Russia, China, Korea, and Japan. It is small in size and has black and white coloring.
The pygmy woodpecker belongs to the genus Dendrocopos and the family Picidae, commonly called woodpeckers. This species is considered to have a widespread distribution. However, its populations are declining due to habitat loss.
The pygmy woodpecker is a cavity nester, meaning it prefers to nest in holes and crevices provided by other trees or structures. It feeds mainly on insects and eats fruits, nuts, and seeds. Its call is a loud, rapid “term, term, term” that can be heard from a distance.
It is solitary and consists mainly of insects, making it a beneficial ecosystem member. The pygmy woodpecker is an essential component of the coniferous and deciduous forests in which it resides.
It helps to control insect populations and disperses seeds, promoting the growth of new plants and trees. Unfortunately, the species is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and competition with other birds.
Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the survival of this species and its vital role in the forests it inhabits.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Yungipicus |
| Species | Y. kizuki |
4. Tit
The Paridae is a large family of small-bodied passerine birds with perching feet. This family consists of tits, chickadees, and titmice and is found mainly in the Northern Hemisphere and Africa.
All of these birds were formerly classified under the genus Parus. However, they have since been re-categorized into separate families. The tits are small, chubby birds with short, stubby bills. They are usually grey or black with white markings or streaks.
On the other hand, Chickadees are usually black and white with a black cap and bib and a white throat and lower face. They are also known for their loud, call-and-response song.
Titmice are small grey birds with black crowns, white cheeks, and a black line extending from the bill to the nape of the neck. These birds are vocal and agile, often feeding on insects, seeds, and berries.
The Paridae family is an essential group of birds, as they provide numerous benefits to their habitats. They are known to be important seed dispersers and insect predators. They are also necessary pollinators and help maintain the balance of the ecosystem.
In addition, they provide an essential food source for other species, such as hawks, owls, and other predatory birds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
5. Great Cormorant
The great cormorant is a common seabird species inhabiting both the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere. It is also known by many different names depending on the region. In New Zealand, it is commonly referred to as the black shag or kawau.
In the Northern Hemisphere, it is known as the great black cormorant. In Australia, it is known as the black cormorant; in India, it is known as the large cormorant. The great cormorant is a member of the cormorant family of seabirds.
These birds are highly adaptable and can be found near coasts, rivers, and lakes. They are often seen perched on rocks or branches near the water, and they can also be seen flying in large flocks over the water in search of food.
Cormorants are typically dark-colored with a distinctive hooked bill and webbed feet. The great cormorant feeds primarily on fish and can dive deeply into the water for food.
They can also fly long distances, allowing them to migrate to different areas for more suitable habitats.
They are known to nest in colonies and are often seen in large groups near the shorelines of coastal areas. The great cormorant is an essential species in many parts of the world, as it helps to maintain the balance of fish populations.
They are also crucial to the local ecology, as they help maintain the region’s biodiversity. As a result, they are an important species to protect and conserve, and their populations should be monitored to ensure their long-term survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Genus | Phalacrocorax |
| Species | P. carbo |
6. Japanese Bush Warbler
The Japanese bush warbler, or uguisu in Japanese, is an Asian passerine bird. It is very elusive and is more often heard than seen. This elusive bird sings a distinctive song during the breeding season, which is usually from the start of spring.
This song can be heard throughout much of Japan, from the countryside to the cities, and is a sign of the start of spring. The Japanese bush warbler is a beloved bird in Japan, and its song symbolizes the coming spring.
The bush warbler symbolizes hope and renewal to the Japanese, and its song is a reminder of the beauty of nature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cettiidae |
| Genus | Horornis |
| Species | H. diphone |
7. Grey-Faced Buzzard
The grey-faced buzzard is an impressive bird of prey native to Asia. It is identified by its small size, typically measuring 41-46 cm long. Its breeding grounds are mainly in Manchuria, Korea, and Japan, while it winters in Southeast Asia.
It is a bird of open land rather than forests and preys on smaller animals such as lizards, small mammals, and giant insects. The grey-faced buzzard is a very adaptable bird. It can thrive in various habitats but prefers open land instead of forests.
It uses its sharp eyesight to hunt for smaller animals, such as lizards, small mammals, and giant insects.
This bird of prey is also known to scavenge for food, including carrion. The grey-faced buzzard has a unique look and behavior, which helps it stand out from other species of raptors. Its plumage is mainly grey and black, with a white belly and throat.
The wings are long and broad, and the tail is short and square-tipped.
Its flight is characterized by rapid, shallow wing beats and glides, which allow it to maneuver quickly and precisely. Overall, the grey-faced buzzard is a fascinating bird of prey, adapted to survive in various Asian habitats.
Its unique plumage, sharp eyesight, and agility make it an impressive hunter. It is an integral part of the environment, controlling small animal populations and helping keep ecosystems balanced.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Butastur |
| Species | B. indicus |
8. Great Crested Grebe
The great crested grebe is a species of water bird belonging to the grebe family of birds. It is most commonly found in freshwater habitats, such as lakes, ponds, brackish waters, and estuaries.
It is easily identifiable by its distinctive crest of feathers on its head and its large, bright red eyes. The great crested grebe is one of the most well-known species of grebes due to its elaborate mating display.
This display includes a courtship dance involving the male and female grebes swimming together in circles, with the male often performing head-wagging. The courtship also includes elaborate vocal displays, and the male and female will touch bills.
This behavior is believed to strengthen the pair bond between the two birds and increase the chances of successful mating.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Podiceps |
| Species | P. cristatus |
9. Japanese Sparrowhawk
The Japanese Sparrowhawk is a bird species in the Accipitridae family, made up of diurnal raptors like eagles, buzzards, and harriers. This species of hawk is found in several parts of the world, including China, Japan, Korea, and Siberia.
During winter, the Japanese Sparrowhawk migrates to Indonesia and the Philippines, passing through other parts of Southeast Asia.
This species of hawk is a top-level predator in its environment, hunting small animals such as lizards, rodents, and other birds. It is also known to be a very agile flyer, using its speed and maneuverability to capture its prey.
The Japanese Sparrowhawk is an integral part of the ecosystem, helping to maintain the balance of the food chain.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Accipiter |
| Species | A. gularis |
10. Steller’s Sea Eagle
Steller’s sea eagle is a large and majestic bird of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family. It is a diurnal species that is active during the day. It is easily distinguished by its white shoulder patch and large size.
It was first described by Peter Simon Pallas in 1811, and no recognized subspecies of this species exist. The bird is the heaviest eagle in the world, with a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters and a weight of 4-9 kg.
Its dark brown body has a white patch on its shoulder and a yellow beak. The tail feathers are strongly barred with black and white. The adult bird has striking yellow eyes and can be seen soaring high in the air coastal waters.
This species is found in the coastal regions of eastern Russia, Japan, and Alaska. It feeds mainly on fish and hunts marine mammals, birds, and even carrion. It builds large nests in tall trees near the coasts. The female lays two eggs, which hatch after about 43 days.
The chicks fledge after about three months. Steller’s sea eagle is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to its limited population size and declining numbers. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Haliaeetus |
| Species | H. pelagicus |
11. White-Cheeked Starling
The white-cheeked starling, also known as the grey starling, is a type of bird that belongs to the starling family. It is native to eastern Asia, where it is a widespread bird and well-known to many. This bird is typically classified within the genus Spodiopsar.
The white-cheeked starling has a white face and can be found in open woodlands and cultivated lands. It feeds primarily on insects, fruits, and grains. Its distinctive call can also be heard, often in large flocks.
Its call tends to get louder and more frequent during the breeding season. During this time, they are known to build large nests in the hollows of trees. Its large flocks are often a sight as they fly in unison across the sky.
The white-cheeked starling is an essential bird in eastern Asia, and its presence signifies a healthy and thriving environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Spodiopsar |
| Species | S. cineraceus |
12. Japanese Night Heron
The Japanese night heron is a species of bird found in East Asia. It breeds in Japan and migrates to the Philippines and Indonesia for the winter season. It is also spotted in Korea and the Russian Far East during spring and summer.
The Japanese night heron prefers to inhabit dense, damp forests in its breeding and winter locations. This means it can find the same kinds of habitats in both the areas it migrates to and where it breeds.
The forests likely provide the bird with the shelter and food necessary to survive. The Japanese night heron is an integral part of the ecosystem in East Asia. Its presence in different areas helps to maintain balance in the environment.
Its ability to travel to different locations also allows it to spread its genetic material, which can help ensure the species’ survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Gorsachius |
| Species | G. goisagi |
13. Varied Tit
The varied tit is a small bird belonging to the Paridae family. It is found in the eastern Palearctic region, which includes parts of Japan, Korea, northeastern China, and extreme southeastern Russia.
It is a perching bird, meaning it spends most of its time perched on trees or other stationary objects. It is known for its distinct coloration, which consists of a white face, black crown, and gray upperparts.
Its undersides are white or yellowish, and its wings have a black patch. It feeds mainly on insects, larvae, other small invertebrates, and some seeds and berries. The varied, it is a social bird and can often be found in small flocks.
It is a vocal species, often heard singing its varied repertoire of songs. The diverse species are essential to its ecosystem, providing food for other animals and playing a vital role in dispersing seeds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Sittiparus |
| Species | S. varius |
14. Japanese Thrush
The Japanese Thrush is a species of bird from the thrush family Turdidae. It is also known as the grey Thrush or the Japanese grey Thrush. The Japanese Thrush is a common sight in the woodlands of eastern Asia and parts of the Russian Far East.
It is a small to medium-sized bird, measuring between 18 and 22 cm in length. The plumage is greyish brown, with the wings, tail, and head darker than the body. The beak is black, and the eyes are bright yellow.
The Japanese Thrush has a loud, straightforward, melodious song that carries far through the forest. It feeds mainly on small insects, worms, fruits, and berries. The Japanese Thrush is a unique species found only in the woodlands of eastern Asia and parts of the Russian Far East.
It is a shy bird who can be seen flitting through the trees for food. Its striking plumage and melodious song make it a captivating bird to watch and listen to.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. cardis |
Conclusion
Birds are a vital part of Yamaguchi’s unique biodiversity and ecosystem. They play an essential role in maintaining local ecological balance, and their presence is a source of joy and wonder for many locals.
Furthermore, with the increasing popularity of bird-watching in recent years, Yamaguchi has become an excellent destination for bird lovers and enthusiasts alike.
Therefore, it is essential to protect and nurture the diverse bird species of this region for future generations to enjoy.