Common Birds in Japan? (1 Viewer)

Björn Bergenholtz

(former alias "Calalp")

• May 20, 2015

• #1

Hello everyone, with Birding experience or knowledge of everyday life in Japan!

I´m trying to compile a short list of the most Common birds in Urban Japan, a list of the most conspicuous or striking birds that the "average Japanese" ( that is, true amateurs, non-ornithologist, people without any birding experience or previous knowledge of Birds) will meet, in their everyday life, on their way to school, work or in Gardens and Parks.
A short list of Birds (about 20) just about impossible to miss in the most populated areas, in Tokyo (Tokyo -Yokohama), Osaka and/or Nagoya. Unmistakable all year round or in its typical season.

Any suggestions?

Every help is warmly welcomed!

And no limits; the more nomination lists, the more participants, the better!

 

M

MacNara

Well-known member

• May 28, 2015

• #2

Why?

 

Jos Stratford

Eastern Exile

Staff member

• May 28, 2015

• #3

I'm no expert on Japan, but based on a recent trip, these seemed common in urban or semi-urban areas...

Tree Sparrow
Large-billed Crow
Carrion Crow
Black-eared Kite
Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon
Japanese Tit
Oriental Turtle Dove
Brown-eared Bulbul
White Wagtail
Dusky Thrush
White-cheeked Starling

 

Björn Bergenholtz

(former alias "Calalp")

• May 29, 2015

• #4

Thanks "Jos", and ...

MacNara said:

Why?

Click to expand...

As a tool to increase the awareness, knowledge and curiosity of Birds among "Common People" in Japan.

 

M

MacNara

Well-known member

• May 29, 2015

• #5

"Common People" in Japan will already know what birds are there. Why have you taken this task on yourself?

 

Björn Bergenholtz

(former alias "Calalp")

• May 29, 2015

• #6

MacNara said:

"Common People" in Japan will already know what birds are there. Why have you taken this task on yourself?

Click to expand...

I doubt that most Japanese know the names of the most common birds in their close surroundings, but if so, congratulations. That would make Japan unique compared to most Countries in the world. And this wasn´t my impression when I visited in 2013. If needed this list would end up in some kind of information folder, booklet.

But if it is like you claim, that every (non-birding) Japanese already know their birds, there might be no need for such information. However I think there is.

 

Björn Bergenholtz

(former alias "Calalp")

• Jun 5, 2015

• #7

Anyone else feel like giving it a try?

 

Y

yann_in_tokyo

Member

• Jun 23, 2015

• #8

Hi
I would add :
Japanese White-eye (all year, parks)
Japanese Bush Warbler (conspicuous by voice in spring, suburban parkland and woods)
Meadow Bunting (all year, suburban parkland)
Grey Heron (large ponds in parks, river side)
Little Egret (similar)
White Wagtail (near water)

 

Björn Bergenholtz

(former alias "Calalp")

• Jun 24, 2015

• #9

Thank you, "yann"!

I will try to conclude a final, little list, of twenty, and post it here, in a couple of weeks ... or in due course.

 

BillN

Well-known member

• Jul 9, 2015

• #10

Calalp said:

I will try to conclude a final, little list, of twenty, and post it here, in a couple of weeks ... or in due course.

Click to expand...

good idea, I'm off to Tokyo for a long weekend in August and want to try to get a days "birding" in

Would be good to know what I can expect

 

Björn Bergenholtz

(former alias "Calalp")

• Jul 10, 2015

• #11

Sorry Bill,

Unfortunately the list will not be compiled before the end of August ... most likely even later. There´s still quite a few sources to read before that.

In any case: have a nice stay in Japan, it´s a fantastic place!

Björn

 

Björn Bergenholtz

(former alias "Calalp")

• Nov 1, 2015

• #12

End note ...

Dear all,
Long overdue I have to inform you that my promised short list of Common Birds in Japan have been cancelled. I´ve now realized that I neither have the time nor the full knowledge to compile such list, not in a fully truthful, relevant and accurate way.

In any case, I´m very grateful for your help, in this my failed attempt.

THANKS!

Björn

PS. Please feel free to do one yourself. And then circulate it! Every contribution to increase awareness on birds in Japan (for a large public) is surely needed.