|
LOONS & GREBES
1. Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata)
[1]
Seen fairly close
inshore at Nosappu Point, Hokkaido.
2. Arctic Loon (Gavia arctica) [1]
PHOTO
A winter plumaged juvenile that
appeared to be stranded on a sand bar in a river near Ochiishi Point
allowed all the relevant field marks to be studied well. The tide was in
and both the sand bar and the loon were gone when we returned later.
3. Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica) [4]
One was seen from the Tokyo-Kushiro
ferry and the others were off of Nosappu Point. The exact distribution
and status of this and the previous species in Japan has yet to be
worked out, as identification criteria have only recently become known.
4. Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)
[16]
In freshwater lakes and
rivers, mostly on Honshu and Amami. Only one on Hokkaido and none on
Okinawa.
5. Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena)
[10]
Seen on the ocean at
various points near Nemuro, Nosappu Point, and Ochiishi Point, Hokkaido.
ALBATROSSES &
SHEARWATERS
6. Black-footed Albatross (Phoebastria nigripes)
[1]
From the Tokyo-Kushiro
ferry. It made a couple of fast sweeping passes by the boat, not
following it, and was not seen by everyone (three individuals were seen
by the group).
7. Laysan Albatross (Thalassarche immutabilis)
[300]
From the Tokyo-Kushiro
ferry. Good numbers in the first morning at the edge of deep water, then
steady sightings but lower concentrations throughout the day.
8. Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis)
[77]
From the Tokyo-Kushiro
ferry. Became common toward dusk the first day, as we got far enough
north. Probably many more in waters we passed through in the dark.
9. Streaked Shearwater (Calonectris leucomelas)
[6,000] PHOTO
From the Tokyo-Kushiro
ferry. Abundant at the edge of deep water the first morning, but many
were in sight virtually constantly during daylight hours. Probably many
more in waters we passed through in the dark (7,500+ seen by the group).
10. Flesh-footed Shearwater (Puffinus carnieps)
[2]
From the Tokyo-Kushiro
ferry. All were well out in deep water (4 seen by the group).
11. Short-tailed Shearwater (Puffinus tenuirostris)
[24]
From the Tokyo-Kushiro
ferry. Occasional once we reached deep water. One at dawn outside of
Kushiro Harbor the second morning (about 30 seen by the group).
BOOBIES
12. Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster)
[5]
Only seen offshore, and in the
surf zone of the coral reef, on Amami.
CORMORANTS
13. Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis)
[165]
All were seen in
the Tokyo area, only from buses, on our arrival and departure days.
14. Japanese Cormorant (Phalacrocorax capillatus)
[191]
Only along
coasts. Seen on all islands except Honshu.
15. Pelagic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pelagicus)
[108]
Seen only in
coastal areas on Hokkaido.
HERONS
16. Yellow Bittern (Ixobrychus sinensis)
[2]
A juvenile was seen briefly
by Allen and Richard at the end of a mangrove trail on Amami, and an
adult was seen by everyone at the rice fields near Kijyoka on Okinawa.
Not a winter resident in Japan, so they were unexpected.
17. Cinnamon Bittern (Ixobrychus cinnamomeus)
[5]
All were in the rice
fields near Kijyoka on Okinawa. One adult and four juveniles.
18. Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
[16]
Mostly as
flyovers at dusk and only on Kyushu (seen by others on Okinawa).
19. Striated Heron (Butorides striatus)
[3]
Along rivers. Two on Kyushu
and one on Amami.
20. Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)
[64]
Seen at dusk near Izumi on Kyushu
and in the rice fields near Kin on Okinawa.
21. Pacific Reef-Egret (Egretta sacra)
[9]
One on the coast near Izumi on
Kyushu. All others were on Amami and Okinawa. Most were dark morph
birds, only three were white morph.
22. Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
[180]
Common on rivers, rice fields,
and coasts everywhere except Hokkaido.
23. Intermediate Egret (Egretta intermedia)
[8] PHOTO
All were in rice fields
on Kyushu (1), Amami, and Okinawa.
24. Great Egret (Ardea alba) [41]
Fairly common on rivers, rice fields,
and coasts everywhere except Hokkaido.
25. Gray Heron (Ardea cinerea) [170]
Occasional throughout, including one
on Hokkaido. 150 were at the Arasaki Crane area.
DUCKS, GEESE & SWANS
26. Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)
[4]
Introduced. Two were near Miyazaki and
two were near the Arasaki Crane area, all on Kyushu.
27. Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
[1,300] PHOTO
Only on Hokkaido, where they were
common on lakes, estuaries, and sheltered coastal bays. Possibly at the
peak of their migration.
28. Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata)
[17]
A rare wintering bird in Japan,
most common on Honshu where we saw them at the Meiji Shrine. We also saw
a flock of ten near Miyazaki on Kyushu and a single bird at the Kijyoka
rice fields on Okinawa. The first wild birds we've seen, although
they're introduced but "countable" in England where we saw them before, as
they've been established there for 100+ years.
29. Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope)
[2,000+]
Common on all freshwater
wetlands throughout.
30. Falcated Duck (Anas falcata) [8]
Two, a male and female, were near
Miyazaki and six were along the Kumagawa River west of Ebino, all on
Kyushu.
31. Gadwall (Anas strepera) [2]
Only seen near Miyazaki.
32. Common Teal (Anas crecca) [360+]
Most (350) were at the Arasaki Crane
area, Kyushu. A few were on Amami, Okinawa, and even Hokkaido.
33. Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
[1,650+]
Common at most freshwater
wetland areas on Honshu, Kyushu, and Hokkaido.
34. Spot-billed Duck (Anas poecilorhyncha)
[54]
A few at most freshwater
wetland areas on Kyushu and Amami. Several were on salt water at the
coral reef on Amami. One was on Okinawa.
35. Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)
[610+]
Most (600) were at the Arasaki
Crane area. A few were on Amami and Hokkaido.
36. Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)
[4]
One was at the Arasaki Crane
area on Kyushu and three were at the Kijyoka rice fields on Okinawa.
37. Common Pochard (Aythya ferina)
[40]
Seen in a channel in Tokyo on our
bus ride to the airport on our last day.
38. Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)
[1]
Apparently all had migrated out of
Japan except for the lone female we saw at the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo.
39. Greater Scaup
(Aythya marila) [725]
All were offshore at various
locations on Hokkaido.
40. Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)
[245]
All were offshore at
various locations on Hokkaido.
41. Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)
[72]
All were
offshore at various locations on Hokkaido.
42. Black Scoter (Melanitta nigra
americana) [1,060]
The most common sea duck
offshore of Hokkaido Island.
43. White-winged (Velvet) Scoter (Melanitta fusca stejnegeri)
[22]
Occasional at a few locations offshore of Hokkaido.
44. Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)
[145]
Common offshore of
Hokkaido Island.
45. Smew (Mergus albellus) [13]
Mostly females seen on rivers on
Hokkaido. Three males were seen with five females near Bekkai.
46. Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator)
[50]
All were offshore and
on rivers on Hokkaido.
47. Common Merganser (Mergus merganser)
[14]
A few were on a river near
Bekkai, and the remainder were on an inlet near the Notsuke Peninsula.
HAWKS & EAGLES
48. Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
[7]
Most were on Amami and Okinawa, with
one on Kyushu.
49. Black (-eared) Kite (Milvus [lineatus]
migrans) [185] PHOTO
First seen from the bus from
the airport to our hotel in Tokyo. Seen daily on Honshu, Kyushu, and
Hokkaido. Most common around the Arasaki Crane area and on Hokkaido.
50. White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
[32] PHOTO
Most were along the
coast on Hokkaido. One was in a tree on the road leading into the
Kushiro airport, and a couple others were seen in farmland in the
interior.
51. Steller's Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus)
[4] PHOTO
Singles at coastal
areas on Hokkaido. One adult perched along the Nosappu Peninsula, one
adult flying overhead west of Nemuro, one immature flying overhead at
the Notsuke Peninsula, and a spectacular and close adult perched along
the Notsuke Peninsula.
52. Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus)
[1]
A female seen along the Nosappu
Peninsula.
53. Japanese Sparrowhawk (Accipiter gularis)
[2]
One seen over the forest
at the Kinsakubaru Virgin Forest Reserve on Amami on our first morning
there, then another in a different area of the reserve the next day.
54. Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)
[1]
One being chased by a
flock of Large-billed Crows at the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo.
55. Gray-faced Buzzard (Butastur indicus)
[31]
Commonly encountered on
Amami and Okinawa Islands only.
56. Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) [1]
Seen flying along the road east of Nemuro, Hokkaido.
57. Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus)
[2]
Both were along the roads
northwest of Nemuro, Hokkaido.
FALCONS
58. Eurasian Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
[8]
Seen at various areas on
Kyushu, Amami, and Okinawa.
59. Peregine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
[7]
Seen in areas where shorebirds
were found, such as Amami Island and the rice fields on Okinawa. One was
northwest of Nemuro, Hokkaido.
PHEASANTS
60. Ring-necked (Green) Pheasant
(Phasianus colchicus versicolor) [1]
This form
is sometimes considered a separate species, which is
endemic to Japan. Seen near Izumi on Kyushu.
RAILS
61. Ruddy-breasted Crake (Porzana fusca)
[2]
Seen well at a channel as it
foraged in and out of the reeds near Izumi, Kyushu. One was heard
(probably this species) near Sumiyu on Amami Island.
62. Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)
[30]
Seen near Izumi, Kyushu,
and in rice fields on Amami and Okinawa.
63. Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra) [1]
Seen in a rice field near Sumiyu,
Amami.
CRANES
64. Common Crane (Grus grus)
[3] PHOTO
Seen mixed in with the crane flocks at
Arasaki near Izumi.
65. Hooded Crane (Grus monachus)
[5,000] PHOTO
All were around the Arasaki crane
area near Izumi, where most of the population had arrived (a very
significant percentage of the world population winters here).
66. Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis)
[2]
One seen in flight, and one seen
in a field with other cranes, both at the Arasaki crane area near Izumi.
67. White-naped Crane (Grus vipio)
[1,000] PHOTO
About half of the wintering
population had arrived at Izumi, where a significant percentage of the
world population winters.
68. Red-crowned Crane (Grus japonensis)
[78] PHOTO
An endangered species, with
a world population of only a few hundred, most in Japan. Seen at a
favored wintering area at the Akan Crane Center north of Kushiro,
Hokkaido.
PLOVERS
69. Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius)
[22]
About equal numbers at
the rice fields at Kijyoka and Kin on Okinawa. Seen by some on Amami.
70. Long-billed Plover (Charadrius placidus)
[7]
Five were along the
rocky upper reaches of the Kumagawa River near Yokokawa, Kyushu, and two
were along another rocky river near Kin, Okinawa.
71. Snowy (Kentish) Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus)
[20]
All were on the
tidal flats at Kasari, Amami.
72. Mongolian Plover (Charadrius mongolus)
[150]
All were on the tidal
flats at Kasari, Amami.
73. Pacific Golden-Plover (Pluvialis fulva)
[13]
Two were on the tidal
flats at Kasari, Amami, and the others were on Okinawa with ten at the
Kijyoka rice fields and one at the Kin rice fields.
74. Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola)
[15]
All were on the
tidal flats at Kasari, Amami.
SANDPIPERS
75. Sanderling (Calidris alba)
[1]
Seen on the tidal flats at Kasari, Amami.
76. Red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis)
[10]
All were on the tidal
flats at Kasari, Amami.
77. Dunlin (Calidris alpina sakhalina)
[57]
A few were in the fields at
Arasaki, Kyushu. Most were on the tidal flats at Kasari, Amami.
78. Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago gallinago)
[18]
Most were in the
rice fields near Kijyoka, with a couple near Kin, Okinawa.
79. Pintail Snipe (Gallinago stenura)
[3]
All were at the rice fields
near Kijyoka, Okinawa. Told by its lack of white secondary tips, smaller
size than Common Snipe, and habit of dropping back into the field very
quickly after being flushed.
80. Swinhoe's Snipe (Gallinago megala)
[5]
All were in the rice fields
near Kijyoka, Okinawa. Told by its lack of white secondary tips, bulkier
look than Common Snipe, and bolder, more conspicuous patch on the upper
wing coverts.
Snipe sp. Gallinago sp. [20]
Many snipe flushed at the Kijyoka rice
fields on Okinawa could not be identified.
81. Amami Woodcock (Scolopax mira)
[5]
Three seen on Amami along the
roads in the Kinsakubaru Forest Reserve on our first night there. The
following day, a few of us flushed one from the roadside early in the
morning. One was seen flying overhead after dark near Aha, Okinawa,
where it is sometimes easier to see. Endemic to Amami and Okinawa.
82. Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)
[7]
Seen at on Kyushu at Arasaki,
on Amami at the Kasari tidal flats, and at the rice fields on Okinawa.
83. Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus)
[5]
Seen along the river near
Yokokawa and at Arasaki, Kyushu, and at the rice fields at Kin, Okinawa.
84. Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)
[10]
All were at the rice fields at Kijyoka, Okinawa.
85. Common Sandpiper (Tringa hypoleucos)
[15]
At most rivers and
shorelines on Kyushu, Amami, and Okinawa.
86. Gray-tailed Tattler (Heteroscelus brevipes)
[16]
Most were on the
tidal flats near Kasari, Amami. One in a flooded field near Kin,
Okinawa, was a surprise inland.
87. Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)
[10]
All were on the tidal flats
near Kasari, Amami.
88. Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus)
[170]
All were seen from
the Tokyo-Kushiro ferry, with most off of Chiba Prefecture on the
morning part of the trip.
JAEGERS & GULLS
89. Pomarine Jaeger (Stercorarius pomarinus)
[162]
All were from the
Tokyo-Kushiro ferry, with most off of Iwata Prefecture on the afternoon
part of the trip. A couple were seen on the approach into Kushiro
Harbor, Hokkaido. Mostly adult birds, and a few dark morph
individuals.
90. Long-tailed Jaeger (Stercorarius longicaudus)
[1]
Seen from the
Tokyo-Kushiro ferry in the morning, off of Chiba Prefecture. It was an
adult.
91. Saunders' Gull (Larus saundersi)
[1] PHOTO
Seen on the tidal flats at
Kasari, Amami. The total world population of this species is only a few
thousand.
92. Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus)
[150]
A few were around Tokyo,
but most were on Hokkaido mixed in with other gulls in coastal areas.
One was on the tidal flats at Kasari, Amami with the Saunders' Gull,
which provided a good comparison.
93. Black-tailed Gull (Larus crassirostris)
[63] PHOTO
First seen from the
Tokyo-Kushiro ferry, but seen better from shore on Hokkaido. Almost all
adults were seen.
94. Mew (Common) Gull (Larus canus kamschatkcensis)
[320] PHOTO
One was seen
briefly from the bus in Tokyo, but all others were around the coast on
Hokkaido. The largest group was 250 birds roosting on the water of a
channel in Kushiro (Slaty-backed Gulls were dominating the sand bars).
This form may possibly be considered a separate species, the Kamchatka
Gull.
95. Herring Gull (Larus argentatus vegae)
[1,200] PHOTO
A few first seen on the
coast near Miyazaki, Kyushu, with three others offshore near Izumi. Most
were offshore and seen from the Tokyo-Kushiro ferry, mostly off of Iwata
Prefecture. On Hokkaido it was not common, with most in the harbor of
Kushiro, but a few were found perched with other gulls along the coast.
This form may possibly be considered a separate species, the Vega Gull.
96. Slaty-backed Gull (Larus schistisagus)
[4,200] PHOTO
A few were seen from
the Tokyo-Kushiro ferry off Iwata Prefecture. On Hokkaido it was very
common everywhere, including in cities, on buildings, and all along the
coast.
97. Glaucous-winged Gull (Larus glaucescens)
[110] PHOTO
A few singles seen
from the Tokyo-Kushiro ferry off of Iwata Prefecture. Most were mixed in
with gull flocks around the coast of Hokkaido.
98. Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus)
[355] PHOTO
Seen with gull flocks along
the coast of Hokkaido. Much more numerous north of Nemuro, particularly
along the Notsuke Peninsula where one pure flock contained 100 birds.
99. Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla)
[775]
Most were from the
Tokyo-Kushiro ferry off of Iwata Prefecture, although it was fairly
common in Kushiro harbor also.
ALCIDS
100. Spectacled Guillemot (Cepphus carbo)
[1]
Seen offshore of the
Ochiishi Peninsula, Hokkaido. This bird was frustrating as it dove
repeatedly, and stayed down for long intervals and up for brief seconds.
Eventually, it stayed up for a while, but did not show the expected
obvious white spectacles. It had an all dark back, so wasn't a
Long-billed Murrelet. Eventually, after much debate and discussion, we
thought it must be a juvenile of this species, which is not well
illustrated or described anywhere.
PIGEONS & DOVES
101. Rock Dove (Columba livia)
[400]
Common in all cities throughout.
102. Japanese Wood-Pigeon (Columba janthina)
[2]
One seen flying high
overhead at the Kinsakubaru Virgin Forest reserve on Amami, and one
heard calling in the forest near Aha, Okinawa. Nearly endemic to Japan.
Usually not so difficult to find apparently.
103. Oriental Turtle-Dove (Streptopelia orientalis)
[76] PHOTO
Common in
forested areas and city parks throughout, except on Hokkaido.
104. Whistling Green Pigeon (Treron formosae)
[2]
One seen overhead at
the Kinsakubaru Virgin Forest reserve, and on in vegetation near the
coast at Sumiyu, Amami. Nearly endemic to Japan.
TYPICAL OWLS
105. Ryukyu Scops-Owl (Otus elegans)
[4]
Three were heard spontaneously
calling after dark at the Kinsakubaru Virgin Forest reserve, and one was
glimpsed briefly as it flew from its calling perch high in a tree.
Another was heard calling spontaneously near Aha, Okinawa. Nearly
endemic to the Ryukyu Islands of Japan.
106. Blakiston's Fish-Owl (Ketupa
blakistoni) [2]
Seen at their day roost
on the property of Mr. Y, a world authority on this
species, near Nemuro, Hokkaido. Only about 100 of these huge owls are in
Japan, all on Hokkaido, and possibly only 1000 more in nearby Russia.
107. Brown Hawk-Owl (Ninox scutulata) [2h]
One was heard at the
Kinsakubaru Virgin Forest reserve on Amami very near where the Ryukyu
Scops-Owls were calling, and another heard calling in the forest near
Aha, Okinawa.
SWIFTS
108. House Swift (Apus nipalensis)
[22]
Seen over the airport at
Kagoshima, and over the Kumagawa River northwest of Ebino, Kyushu.
KINGFISHERS
109. Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
[10] PHOTO
The best views we've ever had
of this species. Seen in rivers on all islands except Hokkaido and
Honshu.
110. Crested Kingfisher (Ceryle lugubris)
[2]
Seen from the highway along
the lower reaches of the Kumagawa River northwest of Ebino, Kyushu.
WOODPECKERS
111. Japanese Woodpecker (Picus awokera)
[1]
Seen briefly as a flyover at
the dipper spot along the lower reaches of the Kumagawa River northwest
of Ebino, Kyushu. Endemic to Japan.
112. Okinawa Woodpecker (Sapheopipo noguchii)
[2] PHOTO
At a forest patch near
Yona, Okinawa, one seen briefly as it landed about 10 yards in front of
us on a vertical trunk, and pointed its bill skyward like a woodcreeper.
At another forest patch near Aha, one gave us prolonged and excellent
views as it fed in plain view about 25 yards away. This is the world's
rarest woodpecker, provided that the Ivory-billed and Imperial
Woodpeckers are now extinct. There are only 30-50 pairs remaining of
this species, which is endemic to Okinawa.
113. Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major
japonicus) [2] PHOTO
Seen only at the
feeders at the nature center west of Nemuro, Hokkaido.
114. White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos owstoni)
[3]
Seen only
at the Kinsakubaru Virgin Forest reserve on Amami, on both days we
visited the area. The first day provided a difficult view of a single
bird, while the second day a pair gave prolonged, and excellent views.
This race is quite distinct, although apparently at the extreme of a
cline, and may possibly be considered a distinct species, which would be
endemic to Amami Island.
115. Pygmy Woodpecker (Dendrocopos kizuki)
[15] PHOTO
Seen in most forested
areas we visited on all islands. Best views were at the feeders near
Nemuro on Hokkaido. This species is nearly endemic, with about an equal
area of its range in Korea and adjacent Russia.
LARKS
116. Japanese Skylark (Alauda japonica)
[12]
Two were singing in a field
near Yokokawa, and the rest were in the fields around Arasaki, Kyushu.
This species has been split from the Eurasian Skylark.
SWALLOWS
117. Red-rumped
Swallow (Hirundo daurica) [6]
An unexpected species, as most should have
migrated out of the country. All were seen flying south (along with
Asian Martins and Barn Swallows) from our hotel in Izumi.
118. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
[52]
One flock was near Miyazaki, and
others were around Izumi on Kyushu. Also a few seen on Amami and
Okinawa.
119. Pacific Swallow (Hirundo tahitica)
[46]
All were in open areas of
Amami and Okinawa.
120. Asian Martin (Delichon dasypus)
[42]
The first group was over the
Kumagawa River, the second and third groups were over our hotel in Izumi
on two different days.
PIPITS & WAGTAILS
121. Olive-backed Pipit (Anthus hodgsoni)
[4]
The first one was seen in a
tree outside our hotel room at Kirishima Yaku NP near Ebino, Kyushu. It
has such prominent streaks and eye ring that it looked a lot like an
Ovenbird! Two others were elsewhere in this park, and one was near
Sumiyu, Amami.
122. Red-throated Pipit (Anthus cervinus)
[2]
Both were seen flying
around and calling sharply, and high-pitched, over the fields near
Izumi.
123. American Pipit (Anthus rubescens japonicus)
[64]
Seen in almost all
fields on Kyushu, with a couple seen on Amami. This form may someday be
considered a separate species. In winter plumage, it is similar to our
birds, but it seems to be a greener color on the back, with more
distinct facial markings.
124. Gray Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)
[39]
Common along rocky rivers, and
more often in forested areas than other wagtails. Seen on Honshu,
Kyushu, Amami, and Okinawa.
125. Black-backed Wagtail (Motacilla lugens)
[63]
Seen in open fields,
even parking lots and among the jetways at airports, on all islands.
Only a couple on Hokkaido. Quite variable in appearance, and possibly
more than one race was wintering. Age differences may also account for
variations. Try as we might to make the dull birds (probably immature
females, with light gray backs) into White Wagtails, they all possessed
rather large white patches in the wings.
126. Japanese Wagtail (Motacilla grandis)
[11]
Seen only along rocky
creeks, with birds along the Kumagawa River near Ebino, in the Izumi
area, and near Okuchi, all on Kyushu. Endemic to Japan.
MINIVETS
127. Ryukyu Minivet (Pericrocotus tegimae)
[14]
On Amami, seen only at
the Kinsakubaru Virgin Forest reserve, where several were found. In
flight, they give a waxwing-like call that was quite distinctive. On
Okinawa, seen in forest areas near Yona and near Aha. One was also near
our hotel near Nago. Recently split from Ashy Minivet. Endemic to the
Ryukyus of Japan.
BULBULS
128. Light-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus sinensis)
[10]
In Japan, this
species is only found on Okinawa, and we saw a single flock at the
airport when we arrived.
129. Brown-eared Bulbul (Hypsipetes amaurotis)
[398] PHOTO
The most frequently
encountered passerine on all islands except Hokkaido. Ubiquitous.
WAXWINGS
130. Japanese Waxwing (Bombycilla japonica)
[35]
The tight flock of small
waxwings that flew in front of us on the highway near Miyazaki,Kyushu,
was undoubtedly this species. This is the first time our leader had seen
this species. Strangely, this species only winters in Japan, and breeds
in a small area of Korea and China.
DIPPERS
131. Brown Dipper (Cinclus pallasii)
[4]
Two pairs (at least) in two
different areas along the Kumagawa River northwest of Ebino, Kyushu. We
watched a pair chase each other for several minutes, providing excellent
views as they perched on rocks in mid-stream.
WRENS
132. Winter Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes)
[2]
Both were in the forests
of the Kirishima Yaku NP near Ebino, Kyushu.
OLD WORLD FLYCATCHERS
133. Narcissus Flycatcher (Ficedula narcissina
owstoni) [4]
All were in the
Kinsakubaru Virgin Forest reserve on Amami, where we saw three males and
one female. It is likely that these were the endemic Amami race.
ROBIN CHATS
134. Ryukyu Robin (Erithacus komadori)
[22]
Several were heard in the
Kinsakubaru Virgin Forest reserve on Amami, but they were too skulking
to get views. In the forested areas of Okinawa, they cooperated a little
more, and on our last day near Aha we got good views of several along
one trail. Endemic to the Ryukyus of Japan.
135. Orange-flanked Bush-Robin (Tarsiger cyanurus)
[4]
A female was at
the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, and two males and a female were seen well
along a trail at Kirishima Yaku NP near Ebino, Kyushu. Also known as
Red-flanked Bluetail.
136. Daurian Redstart (Phoenicurus auroreus)
[28] PHOTO
Most were seen in a
variety of habitats on Kyushu, from pine forests to rice fields. One was
at the Kijyoka rice fields on Okinawa.
THRUSHES
137. Blue Rock-Thrush (Monticola solitarius)
[31]
All were in coastal
areas, with a few near Miyazaki and Izumi on Kyushu. All others were on
Amami and Okinawa.
138. Amami Thrush (Zoothera amami)
[4]
All were at the Kinsakubaru Virgin
Forest reserve on Amami, with three heard only the first day. This is an
extreme skulker, so it was lucky that we saw one on the ground behind
our van at a stop the second day in this forest, which quickly flushed
up into the forest and out of sight. Recently split from Scaly Thrush.
Endemic to Amami Island.
139. Brown-headed Thrush (Turdus chrysolaus)
[54]
The most common thrush
in higher areas of Kyushu at the Kirishima Yaku NP near Ebino. A few
were at the Kinsakubaru Virgin Forest reserve on Amami, and one was at
the Kijyoka rice fields on Amami.
140. Pale Thrush (Turdus pallidus)
[77]
One seen briefly along a small
creek near Izumi, Kyushu. All others were in forested areas of Amami and
Okinawa, where it was the commonest thrush. This was Allen's 2900th life
bird.
141. Eyebrowed Thrush (Turdus obscurus)
[3]
One was at the Kirishima Yaku
NP near Ebino, one was near Yokokawa, and one was near Izumi, all on
Kyushu. This species has mostly migrated out of Japan by this time of
year, so this was an unexpected species.
142. Dusky Thrush (Turdus naumanni)
[184]
By far the commonest thrush of
open areas and lowlands on Kyushu, Amami, and Okinawa, although a few
were seen from our hotel window in the mountainous area of Kirishima
Yaku NP.
OLD WORLD WARBLERS
143. Japanese Bush-Warbler (Cettia diphone)
[47]
A real skulker, but we
did get several good views of this dull, but vocal species. Seen on
Honshu, Kyushu, Amami, and Okinawa. This is the first time we've seen
this species in its native range (it is introduced in Hawaii).
144. Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis)
[11]
Most often encountered
in areas of Phragmites or in rice fields on Honshu, Amami, and Okinawa.
TITS
145. Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus)
[14]
All were seen in
Kirishima Yaku NP near Ebino, Kyushu.
146. Marsh Tit (Parus palustris) [5]
All were at the feeders west of
Nemuro, Hokkaido. This island is the only place in Japan where this
species occurs, and apparently it is a distinct race as found in eastern
Russia and China, disjunct from the European populations.
147. Willow Tit (Parus montanus) [6]
All were at the Kirishima Yaku NP
near Ebino, Kyushu.
148. Varied Tit (Parus varius) [27]
Several were at the Meiji Shrine in
Tokyo, and several others were in the forest at Kirishima Yaku NP near
Ebino, Kyushu. A few were seen in forested areas on Amami and Okinawa.
At least two races were seen. Nearly endemic to Japan.
149. Coal Tit (Parus ater) [4]
All were just outside our hotel in
Kirishima Yaku NP near Ebino, Kyushu.
150. Great Tit (Parus major minor)
[31] PHOTO
Fairly common in forested areas
on all islands. This is the third distinct racial group of this species
we've seen, so we'll keep track in case they ever split them. The race
on Okinawa was also seen, although it is not a likely candidate for
splitting.
NUTHATCHES
151. Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaea)
[5] PHOTO
Two were in the forest at
Kirishima Yaku NP near Ebino, Kyushu, and the others were at the feeders
near Nemuro, Hokkaido.
WHITE-EYES
152. Japanese White-eye (Zosterops japonica)
[175] PHOTO
Seen in all forested
areas, sometimes in sizable flocks, on Kyushu, Amami, and Okinawa. These
are the first non-introduced we've seen.
SHRIKES
153. Bull-headed Shrike (Lanius bucephalus)
[9]
First seen in fields near
Yokokawa, Kyushu. Others were near Arasaki and Okuchi, also on Kyushu.
MAGPIES, JAYS & CROWS
154. Azure-winged Magpie (Cyanopica cyana)
[6] PHOTO
All were seen in
ornamental shrubbery and larger coniferous trees around the base of the
Shiba Tower in Tokyo.
155. Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius)
[11] PHOTO
A few were at the Kirishima
Yaku NP and Okuchi on Kyushu, and others of the distinct (and
attractive) endemic brandtii race were on Hokkaido.
156. Lidth's Jay (Garrulus lidthi)
[20] PHOTO
Good views at the Kinsakubaru
Virgin Forest reserve, and excellent views of a larger number at a
forested ravine near Sumiyu, Amami. Endemic to Amami.
157. Daurian Jackdaw (Corvus dauuricus)
[15]
A few on wires, and the rest
flying over fields, near Izumi, Kyushu.
158. Rook (Corvus frugilegus) [535]
Seen only on Kyushu, most often in
sizable flocks in open areas.
159. Carrion Crow (Corvus corone)
[349] PHOTO
Small numbers usually mixed in
with Rooks on Kyushu, and larger pure flocks on Hokkaido.
160. Large-billed Crow (Corvus macrorhynchus)
[518] PHOTO
Seen everywhere in
nearly all habitats on all islands.
STARLINGS
161. White-cheeked Starling (Sturnus cineraceus)
[181]
Most were in open
areas and around human settlements on Kyushu. A few were seen on
Hokkaido.
OLD WORLD SPARROWS
162. Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)
[1.700]
Seen everywhere in
nearly all habitats on all islands.
MUNIAS
163. Scaly-breasted Munia (Lonchura punctulata)
[35]
Seen in two separate
flocks, one at the Kijyoka rice fields and another at the Kin rice
fields, Okinawa. An introduced species.
FINCHES
164. Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla)
[135]
One flock was in a field
near Yokokawa and another flock in a field near Izumi.
165. Gray-capped Greenfinch (Carduelis sinica)
[365]
Seen mainly in
flocks that seemed to favor riversides and channels, most often in
Phragmites. Only seen on Kyushu. A handsome bird, once we got good looks
at perched birds.
166. Eurasian Siskin (Carduelis spinus)
[2]
Seen briefly flying overhead
at Kirishima Yaku NP near Ebino, Kyushu.
167. Asian Rosy-Finch (Leucosticte arctoa)
[25]
A single flock seen among
the homes near Nosappu Point, Hokkaido.
168. Eurasian Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)
[4]
Two seen briefly at
Kirishima Yaku NP, and two more heard in another area of the same park.
169. Japanese Grosbeak (Eophona personata)
[15]
Found in one area of the
trail at Kirishima Yaku NP where a flock came in to feed, and several
additional individuals were flying around higher in the trees.
BUNTINGS
170. Black-faced Bunting (Emberiza spodiocephala)
[16]
One was glimpsed
briefly at the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo. All others were on Kyushu, with
most near Izumi. None seen particularly well, as they tended to skulk in
low brush.
171. Meadow Bunting (Emberiza cioides)
[13] PHOTO
Several seen in the forest
and along the roads at Kirishima Yaku NP, while best views were had of
birds near Izumi, many in Phragmites.
172. Yellow-throated Bunting (Emberiza elegans)
[4]
All were males, and
all were in one shrub; a gorgeous sight. Seen at Kirishima Yaku NP.
173. Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica)
[8]
Seen in one flock with
Yellow-throated Buntings at Kirishima Yaku NP.
174. Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus)
[3]
Seen briefly in a patch of
Phragmites near Izumi, Kyushu.
|