18-The Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) イソシギ

 Birds Of Japan 18:The Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)日本の野鳥:イソシギ 

Actitis hypoleucos, commonly known as the Common Sandpiper, is a small migratory wading bird belonging to the family Scolopacidae. Here is some information about this bird:

Appearance: The Common Sandpiper is a slender bird with a length of about 18-20 centimeters (7-8 inches) and a wingspan of approximately 32-35 centimeters (12.5-14 inches). It has a distinctive white belly and breast, which contrasts with its brownish-grey upperparts. During flight, it displays a prominent white wingbar. Its bill is relatively short and dark, and its legs are pale.

Distribution: The Common Sandpiper has a vast breeding range that spans from Europe and Asia to parts of Africa. It is commonly found near freshwater bodies such as rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and marshes. During the non-breeding season, it migrates to various regions, including sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia.

Habitat: This species is known for its preference for both freshwater and brackish habitats. It can be found along the edges of rivers, lakeshores, and estuaries, where it forages for food.

Behavior and Diet: The Common Sandpiper is an agile and active bird. It gets its name from its characteristic behavior of bobbing its tail and body when walking along the water's edge, which resembles dipping or teetering. It is a solitary bird during the breeding season and tends to be more social during migration and in its wintering grounds.

As a carnivorous bird, the Common Sandpiper primarily feeds on insects, aquatic invertebrates, small fish, and crustaceans. It forages by walking along the water's edge and probing into the sand or mud to find its prey.

 

Breeding: During the breeding season, which typically occurs from April to July, the Common Sandpiper constructs its nest on the ground near water. The nest is a simple depression lined with vegetation. The female usually lays a clutch of 3-4 eggs that are incubated by both parents. After the chicks hatch, they are precocial, meaning they are relatively independent and can move around and feed themselves shortly after hatching.

Conservation Status: The Common Sandpiper is not considered globally threatened. Its population is generally stable, and it has a wide distribution. However, like many bird species, it may face localized threats due to habitat loss and degradation.

As with any bird species, it's essential to appreciate and observe the Common Sandpiper responsibly, respecting their habitats and avoiding disturbances during their breeding and migration periods.

イソシキギ (Isosikigi) は、日本に分布する小型の渡り鳥で、和名は「磯鷸（いそしぎ）」とも呼ばれています。学名は"Tringa brevipes" です。以下に、イソシキギに関する情報を提供します：

外見： イソシキギは、全長約20センチメートル程度で、体は細長く、くちばしは短めです。羽毛は地味な色合いで、背中や翼は褐色がかった灰色、腹部は白っぽくなっています。また、目元には淡い色の眉線模様があります。足は黄色っぽく、黒い爪が特徴的です。

生息地： イソシキギは、主に日本列島全体で見られますが、特に冬季になると南方へ渡りを行い、沿岸や干潟、汽水域、湖沼、川などに生息します。日本全土の海岸や内陸の水辺に生息することがあります。

生態： イソシキギは、主に底生生物や小さな甲殻類、貝類などを食べる肉食性の鳥です。食べ物を探す際には、泥や砂にくちばしを突き立てる探餌行動が特徴的です。渡り鳥であるため、季節によって生息地を移動します。

渡り： イソシキギは、日本では主に冬季に観察されます。春になると、北方へと繁殖地へ渡りを行います。秋になると再び南下し、冬を過ごす地域に移動します。

保護状況： イソシキギは、日本においては一般的な鳥種ですが、生息地の破壊や環境の変化による影響を受けている可能性があります。そのため、保護の対象となっている場合もあります。

以上が、イソシキギについての基本的な情報です。野鳥観察などでイソシキギを見かけた際は、その生態や環境保護に配慮しながら楽しむことが大切です。