Birds Of Japan 32:Daurian redstart-日本の野鳥32: ジョウビタキ

The Daurian Redstart (Phoenicurus auroreus) is a strikingly beautiful bird native to East Asia, known for its vivid plumage and distinctive behaviors. It's a member of the flycatcher family (Muscicapidae) and is a popular species among birdwatchers due to its vibrant colors and active nature. Here's a detailed look at the Daurian Redstart:

Identification Features:

• Size: The Daurian Redstart is a small bird, measuring around 13–14 cm (5–5.5 inches) in length.
• Plumage:
  • Males: The adult male is particularly eye-catching with its rich orange-red belly, chest, and tail. The back is a slate-gray or brownish-gray, and the head is dark, with a pale eye ring and dark wings.
  • Females: The female has a more subdued plumage, with a brownish-gray body, and a lighter, tan-colored underbelly. The female's tail and wings may have a reddish hue, but it’s less vibrant than the male’s.
• Tail: The tail is a distinctive feature, being long and often held cocked upward, which is characteristic of the species.
• Bill: A slender bill, typical of flycatchers, designed for catching insects.

 

Habitat and Distribution:

• Range: The Daurian Redstart is a migratory bird that breeds in parts of eastern Siberia, Mongolia, and northern China. During the winter months, it migrates to southern China, the Korean Peninsula, Taiwan, and Japan. In Japan, it is a common winter visitor.
• Habitat: It inhabits a variety of environments, including forests, woodlands, gardens, parks, and even urban areas, often near water sources or open fields. It is also seen in suburban areas where there are trees or shrubs.

Diet and Feeding:

The Daurian Redstart is an insectivore. Its diet consists mainly of insects, including beetles, ants, flies, and caterpillars, as well as some small berries and seeds during the colder months. It forages by fluttering and pouncing from perches or the ground, often catching prey in mid-air.

 

Behavior and Characteristics:

• Active and Energetic: This species is often seen hopping around and flicking its tail, which is a notable behavior. It is a very active bird and is usually seen perched on exposed branches or fence posts, where it will hunt for insects.
• Tail Flicking: One of its most characteristic behaviors is its tail flicking. The bird often holds its tail cocked upward and will flick it rapidly from side to side. This action is not only a display behavior but may also aid in alerting other birds to its presence.
• Song: The Daurian Redstart’s song is a series of clear, high-pitched whistles and trills. It’s not as loud or musical as some other songbirds, but its calls are pleasant and melodious.

Breeding and Nesting:

• Nesting: The Daurian Redstart usually builds its nest in tree cavities, under shrubs, or in man-made structures such as roof spaces or nest boxes. The female lays a clutch of 4–6 eggs, which are incubated for about two weeks.
• Parental Care: After hatching, both parents are involved in feeding and protecting the chicks. The young birds are often fed insects and soft fruits.

 

Conservation Status:

As of now, the Daurian Redstart is not considered to be at significant risk. It has a broad distribution and is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, like many migratory birds, it may be vulnerable to habitat loss and climate change, which could impact its migration patterns and breeding grounds.

In Japan and East Asia:

The Daurian Redstart is a popular bird in Japan, where it is often seen in both urban and rural areas during the winter months. Its vibrant plumage adds a touch of color to the often gray, cold winter landscape. In China and Korea, it is also commonly found in gardens and parks.

Fun Facts:

• Name: The "Daurian" part of its name refers to the Daurian region (in Siberia and Mongolia), where the bird breeds.
• Cultural Significance: In Japan, the Daurian Redstart is sometimes referred to as ジョウビタキ (jōbitaki), and it’s often admired for its beauty. It’s not uncommon to see them in traditional gardens or even photographed during winter birdwatching expeditions.

In summary, the Daurian Redstart is a beautiful and energetic bird that adds a burst of color to winter landscapes and is a delight for birdwatchers across its migratory range.

 

ジョウビタキ（尉鶲）は、スズメ目ツグミ科に属する鳥で、日本でもよく見かける冬の渡り鳥です。特に寒い季節に見られるため、冬の訪れを感じさせる存在として親しまれています。

特徴

• 体の大きさ: 小型の鳥で、全長はおおよそ13～14センチメートル程度です。
• 羽の色: オスは鮮やかなオレンジ色の胸や腹が特徴的で、メスはオスよりもやや地味な色合いです。特にオスの鮮やかな色合いが目立ちます。
• 尾: 長い尾羽を持ち、尾を頻繁に上下に動かす仕草が特徴です。尾羽の先端は黒っぽい色をしており、これも識別ポイントになります。

生息地

ジョウビタキは日本では冬鳥として知られており、山地や公園、庭園など、比較的身近な場所に生息します。また、東アジアや中国、朝鮮半島などでも見られます。

食性

昆虫や小さな果物などを食べる雑食性の鳥で、特に冬の間は果物や種子を摂取します。公園や庭に来ることが多いため、庭に置いた餌を食べることもあります。

行動

飛び跳ねるような動きや、尾羽をふりふり動かす仕草が特徴的で、観察していると愛らしさが感じられます。また、警戒心が強く、近づくとすぐに飛び立ってしまいます。

 

鳴き声

ジョウビタキの鳴き声は、比較的高音で「チー チー チー」といった音を出します。鳴き声もまた、冬の自然の風景の一部として耳に残ることが多いです。

冬の風物詩として、庭や公園でジョウビタキを見かけると、寒い季節でも少し温かい気持ちになれるかもしれませんね。