Birds Of Japan 003-The Japanese Wagtail-日本の野鳥003:セグロセキレイ

 Birds Of Japan 003-The Japanese Wagtail-日本の野鳥003:セグロセキレイ 

 

The Japanese Wagtail (Motacilla grandis) is a species of passerine bird belonging to the family Motacillidae. It is native to East Asia and is primarily found in Japan, Korea, and parts of China.

Here are some key characteristics and information about the Japanese Wagtail:

Appearance:

1. Size: The Japanese Wagtail measures about 19-21 centimeters (7.5-8.3 inches) in length.
   
2. Plumage: It has a black head, nape, and upperparts. The wings are black with white patches, and the underparts are white. The breast and sides often have a pale grayish tinge. It has a long, black tail that is constantly wagged up and down, giving it its name.
3. Eyes: The wagtail has dark eyes.
4. Bill: It has a slender, pointed bill, typically black in color.

Habitat:

1. The Japanese Wagtail inhabits a variety of habitats, including streams, rivers, ponds, marshes, rice fields, and coastal areas.
2. It can be found at various elevations, ranging from lowlands to mountains, typically up to around 2,000 meters (6,600 feet).

Behavior:

1. 
   Diet: The Japanese Wagtail feeds primarily on small invertebrates, such as insects, spiders, and worms, which it catches by walking and running along the ground or shallow water.
2. Vocalizations: It has a sharp, high-pitched call that is often repeated in flight. Its song is a series of melodious and varied whistling notes.
3. Social behavior: Japanese Wagtails are usually seen alone or in pairs. They are territorial during the breeding season and may defend their feeding areas.
4. Migration: Some populations of Japanese Wagtails are migratory, while others are resident throughout the year.
   

Reproduction:

1. Breeding season: It typically breeds from April to August.
2. Nesting: The female builds a cup-shaped nest made of grass, moss, and other plant materials. The nest is usually placed on the ground near water or in a crevice of a rocky area.
3. Eggs: The female lays 4-6 eggs, which are usually creamy-white with brownish speckles.
4. Incubation and fledging: The incubation period lasts around 12-14 days, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs. The chicks fledge after approximately 12-14 days.

 

Conservation status: The Japanese Wagtail is considered to be a species of least concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Although the population size is unknown, it is believed to be stable, and the bird has a relatively wide distribution range. However, habitat loss and degradation due to human activities, such as river channelization and pollution, can pose threats to its populations.

Please note that any specific population trends or conservation status updates beyond September 2021 may not be reflected in the information provided.

日本セキレイ（Motacilla grandis）は、ヒタキ科に属する鳴禽類の一種です。東アジア原産で、主に日本、韓国、中国の一部に分布しています。

以下は、日本セキレイに関する主な特徴と情報です：

外見：

• サイズ：日本セキレイの体長は約19-21センチメートル（7.5-8.3インチ）です。
• 羽毛：頭部、後頸、上面は黒色です。翼は黒色で白い斑点があり、下面は白色です。胸部と脇は淡い灰色がかることがあります。尾羽は長く、上下に絶えず振られるため、「セキレイ」の名前がついています。
• 目：セキレイの目は暗色です。
• 嘴：細く尖った嘴で、一般的には黒色です。

生息地：

• 日本セキレイは、河川、池、湿地、水田、沿岸地域など、さまざまな生息地に生息しています。
• 標高は低地から山岳地帯まで様々で、通常は2,000メートル（6,600フィート）程度までです。

行動：

• 食性：日本セキレイは、昆虫、クモ、ミミズなどの小型無脊椎動物を主に摂食し、地面や浅い水域を歩き回って捕食します。
• 鳴声：鋭く高音の鳴き声を発し、飛翔中にしばしば繰り返します。歌は、美しいメロディアスで多様な笛のような音符の連続です。
• 社会的行動：日本セキレイは通常、単独かペアで観察されます。繁殖期には縄張り意識があり、餌場を守ることがあります。
• 渡り：一部の日本セキレイは渡り鳥であり、他の個体群は一年中同じ地域に生息します。

繁殖：

• 繁殖期：通常、4月から8月にかけて繁殖します。
• 巣作り：メスは草、コケなどの植物資材でカップ状の巣を作ります。巣は通常、水の近くの地面や岩の割れ目に作られます。
• 卵：メスは通常、4-6個の