Birds Of Japan 26:The Dusky Thrush (Turdus eunomus) ツグミ

Birds Of Japan 26:The Dusky Thrush (Turdus eunomus) 日本の野鳥26:ツグミ

 The Dusky thrush (Turdus eunomus) is a species of bird belonging to the thrush family (Turdidae).

1. Appearance: The Dusky thrush is a medium-sized thrush, measuring about 23 to 26 centimeters (9 to 10 inches) in length. It has a distinctive appearance with a dark brownish-black plumage on its upperparts, while the underparts are lighter, typically grayish-brown or buff-colored with dark streaks. The males and females are similar in appearance, but males may have darker markings and a slightly more contrasting coloration.

   

2. Distribution: The Dusky thrush breeds in northeastern Asia, particularly in Siberia, Mongolia, and northern China. During the winter, it migrates southward to spend the colder months in areas such as Japan, Korea, and parts of China. Occasionally, vagrant individuals may also appear in other parts of Asia and even in Europe, particularly during migration.

3. Habitat: During the breeding season, Dusky thrushes inhabit a variety of forested habitats, including taiga, mixed forests, and wooded areas near rivers and streams. In winter, they can be found in a range of habitats, including parks, gardens, and agricultural areas, as long as suitable food sources are available.

4. Diet: Dusky thrushes are omnivorous birds with a diet that includes a variety of insects, earthworms, berries, fruits, and seeds. They forage primarily on the ground, hopping and probing the leaf litter and soil for food.

   
   

5. Breeding: The breeding season for Dusky thrushes typically begins in late spring or early summer. They build cup-shaped nests made of grass, twigs, and mud, usually placed in a concealed location such as a dense bush or low tree branch. The female lays a clutch of 4 to 6 eggs, which she incubates for about 12 to 14 days. Both parents participate in feeding and caring for the chicks until they fledge, which occurs after about 12 to 14 days.

6. Conservation: The Dusky thrush is not considered globally threatened, and its population appears to be relatively stable. However, like many bird species, it may face threats such as habitat loss and degradation, particularly in its breeding range, due to deforestation and human development.

Overall, the Dusky thrush is a beautiful and adaptable bird, known for its distinctive plumage and melodious song. It plays an important ecological role as a seed disperser and insect predator in its native habitats.

ツグミ（Turdus eunomus）は、ツグミ科（Turdidae）に属する鳥類の一種です。以下に、この種に関する情報をご紹介します：

1. **外見：** ツグミは、体長約23〜26センチメートル（約9〜10インチ）の中型のツグミで、上面は暗褐色から黒色に近い羽毛で覆われています。下面はより薄く、典型的には灰褐色やバフ色で、暗い縞模様があります。オスとメスは外見が似ていますが、オスはより濃い斑点とやや対照的な色合いを持つことがあります。

2. **分布：** ツグミは、主に東北アジアで繁殖し、シベリア、モンゴル、中国北部に生息しています。冬になると、日本や韓国などの地域に南下して、寒い季節を過ごします。時折、迷鳥が他のアジア地域やヨーロッパの一部にも現れることがあります。

3. **生息地：** 繁殖期には、ツグミはタイガや混合林、川や河川に近い林など、さまざまな森林生息地に生息しています。冬になると、適切な餌が利用できる限り、公園や庭、農地など、さまざまな生息地に見られます。

4. **食性：** ツグミは雑食で、昆虫、ミミズ、ベリー、果物、種子など、さまざまなものを食べます。彼らは主に地面で採餌し、食物を探るために葉の間や土を跳ね回ります。

5. **繁殖：** ツグミの繁殖期は通常、春から夏にかけて始まります。彼らは草、小枝、泥などで作られたコップ状の巣を建て、通常は密な低木や低木の枝など、隠れた場所に置かれます。メスは通常、4〜6個の卵を産み、孵化までに約12〜14日間抱卵します。雛は約12〜14日後に飛び立つまで、両親が給餌や世話をします。

6. **保護状況：** ツグミは世界的には脅威にさらされていないと考えられており、その個体数は比較的安定しています。ただし、多くの鳥類と同様に、森林伐採や開発などによる生息地の喪失や劣化の脅威にさらされている可能性があります。

ツグミは美しい姿と心地よい鳴き声で知られる鳥であり、その母国の生息地で種子散布や昆虫の捕食といった重要な生態学的役割を果たしています。