PO Box 9021, Wilmington, DE 19809, USA
E-mail: font@focusonnature.com
Phone: Toll-free in USA 1-888-721-3555
 or 302/529-1876

 

Japan Birds

from Minivets to Buntings

noting those found
during Focus On Nature Tours
with an (*)


1994 thru 2015

during the months of 
January, February, April.
May, June, July, October,
November, and December

Part 2 of a List of Japan Birds with some photos
compiled by Armas Hill, the leader of FONT tours in Japan


Photo at upper right: a BROWN-EARED BULBUL photographed during a FONT Japan Tour 
  

Link:

Part #1 of this List of Japan Birds: Pheasants to Pittas


There have been 24 FONT Fall & Winter birding & nature tours in Japan: FW.

There have been 13 FONT Spring & Summer birding & nature tours in Japan: SS.


During our 37 FONT tours in Japan, 397 species of birds have cumulatively been found. 

In the following list, Japanese bird names follow English names.



Codes:

(JAi):  introduced species in Japan

(t):   a globally threatened or rare species, designated by Birdlife International.
(t1):   critical
(t2):   endangered
(t3):   vulnerable
(nt): considered a near-threatened species globally

(JAr):       rare in Japan
(JArs):     rare in Japan in spring/summer
(JArw):    rare in Japan in winter

(JAe):      Japanese endemic
(JAeb):    Japanese endemic breeder
(JAneb):  Japanese near-endemic breeder

FW: Seen during FONT Fall & Winter Japanese birding tours.
SS: Seen during FONT Spring & Summer Japanese birding tours.

In the list that follows, relating to sightings during FONT tours, the Japanese island & the months are noted. 
HN:  
on Honshu
HI:   
on Hegura Island (Hegura-jima) in the Sea of Japan off Honshu
(Hegura Island visited during our Spring tours)
HK:   on Hokkaido
KY:   on Kyushu
AM:  on Amami
OK:   on Okinawa
NS:   in the southern Japanese islands of Nansei Shoto (other than Amami & Okinawa)


(ph):  species with a photo in this FONT website



Links to Bird Groupings in this List:

Shrikes    Orioles & Drongos    Corvids    Tits (& Penduline Tit)    Waxwings

Swallows & Martins    Long-tailed Tit    Larks    Bulbuls    Old World Warblers 

Laughing Thrushes, Leiothrix, White-eyes    Wren    Nuthatches    Starlings

Thrushes    Old World Flycatchers & Monarch    Dipper   Sparrows & Munias

Accentors    Pipits & Wagtails    Finches    Buntings


Other Links:

Upcoming FONT Birding & Nature Tours in Japan     Upcoming FONT Tours Elsewhere

FONT Past Tour Highlights     Photo Galleries & Narratives from past FONT tours


Birds during Previous FONT tours in Japan in: 

Hokkaido    
Honshu  (over 300 species)     Hegura Island  (with some photos)

the Island of Amami     the island of Okinawa


Rare Birds during our Japan Tours 
(with some photos)

Japanese Mammals  (with some photos)

Japanese Butterflies  (with some photos)

Directory of Photos in this Website, in this list & others




List of Japan Birds, noting those during Focus On Nature Tours (Part #2): 


          
MINIVETS

  1. Ashy Minivet  (Sanshokui = eater of the prickly ash)  (*) ______ SS   HN:may,oct  HI:may
    Pericrocotus divaricatus 
    (monotypic, with tegimae split)

  2. Ryukyu Minivet  (Ryukyu-sanshokui)  (JAe) (*) (ph) ______ SS,FW   KY:jan,feb,may  AM:jan,feb,may,jul,dec  OK:feb,may,nov  
    Pericrocotus tegimae
     

    The Ryukyu Minivet was considered conspecific with the Ashy Minivet.



    Ryukyu Minivets have been seen during FONT Japan Tours 
    in Kyushu, Amami, & Okinawa 


    CUCKOO-SHRIKE

    The Cuckoo-Shrikes and the Minivets are in same family: CAMPEPHAGIDAE

  3. Black-winged Cuckoo-Shrike  (Asakura-sanshokui)  (JAr)  ______ 
    Coracina melaschistos


    WOODSWALLOW

  4. White-breasted Woodswallow  (JAr)  ______
    Artamus leucorynchus 

    The White-breasted Woodswallow is essentially a resident in southeast Asia and Australia, but it has occurred in Japan as a vagrant.  


    SHRIKES

  5. Bull-headed Shrike  (Mozu)  (*) ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun,oct,nov  HI:may  HK:jun  KY:jan,feb,may,nov,dec  AM:feb,dec
    Lanius b. bucephalus

  6. Brown Shrike  (Aka-mozu = red-tailed shrike)  (JArw) (*)  ______ SS,FW   HN:nov  HI:may  OK:jan
    Lanius cristatus 
    Lanius c. lucionensis 
    (subspecies that occurs on Okinawa)
    Lanius c. superciliosus  (subspecies breeds on Hokkaido & Honshu, the "Japanese Shrike"

  7. Tiger (or Thick-billed) Shrike (Chigo-mozu = child shrike)  (*) ______  SS   HI:may
    Lanius tigrinus 
    (monotypic)

  8. Long-tailed (or Rufous-backed) Shrike (Takaago-mozu)  (JAr) (*) ______ FW  KY:jan
    Lanius s. schach

  9. Great Grey Shrike  (O-mozu = large shrike)  (*) (ph) ______ FW  HK:jan 
    Lanius excubitor bianchii

    The Great Grey Shrike is called the Northern Shrike in North America.

  10. Chinese Grey Shrike  (O-kara-mozu = large shrike of old China)  (JAr)  ______  
    Lanius sphenocercus 

  11. Red-backed Shrike  (JAr) (ph)  ______
    Lanius c. collurio

    The Red-backed Shrike has occurred as an accidental species in Japan, where it has overwintered in Kyushu. 


    ORIOLE & DRONGOS

  12. Black-naped Oriole  (Korai-uguisu)  (JAr) (*) (ph) ______  SS  HI:may
    Oriolus chinensis diffusus



    A Black-naped Oriole during a FONT Japan Tour on Hegura Island 


  13. Black Drongo  (Ochu)  (JAr) (*)  ______  SS  HI:may
    Dicrurus macrocercus
    (The subspecies in China is D. m. cathoecus; the subspecies endemic to Taiwan is D. m. harterti.) 

  14. Ashy Drongo  (JAr)  ______
    Dicrurus leucophaeus

    The Ashy Drongo is a resident in southeast Asia and a summer visitor in eastern China. Overshoots have occurred in southern and offshore Japan, with late-autumn records in Nansei Shoto.

  15. Hair-crested Drongo  (JAr)  ______
    Dicrurus hottentottus

    The Hair-crested Drongo is a resident in southeast Asia, and a summer visitor in eastern China. Overshoots have occurred on offshore Japanese islands.  



    CORVIDS

  16. Eurasian Jay  (Kakesu = hang-nest)  (*) ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun,oct  HK:jan,feb,may,jun,nov,dec  KY:jan,feb,may,nov,dec
    Garrulus glandarius
    Garrulus g. brandtii
     
    (subspecies on Hokkaido)
    Garrulus g. japonicus 
    (subspecies on Honshu & Kyushu)
    (2 other subspecies occur on other Japanese islands)

  17. Amami Jay  (Ruri-kakesu)  (t3) (JAe) (*) (ph) ______  SS,FW   AM:jan,feb,may,jul,nov,dec 
    Garrulus lidthi 
    (monotypic)

    The Amami Jay has also been called the Lidth's Jay.  



    An Amami Jay photographed during a FONT Tour.
    The species is endemic to that Japanese island, 
    and one smaller island nearby.

       
  18. Spotted Nutcracker  (Hoshi-garasu = star, or spotted crow)  (*) ______ SS  FW   HN:may,jun,oct
    Nucifraga caryocatactes japonica 
    (in the Northern group)

  19. Azure-winged Magpie  (Onaga = long tail)  (*) ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun,nov,dec
    Cyanopica cyana japonica

  20. Oriental Magpie  (Kasasagi)  (JAi) (*) ______ FW   HK:feb  KY:jan  
    Pica sericea

    Recent evidence indicates that both populations of what has been the Eurasian Magpie in eastern Asia, the Kamchatka Magpie and the Oriental Magpie of Amurland, Korea, Japan, & China, differ substantially enough in DNA from western Eurasian birds to be considered a separate species. However, their exact ranges and any morphological and vocal differences are still unclear.
    The Eurasian Magpie. Pica pica, was considered conspecific with the Black-billed Magpie of North America, Pica hudsonia.

  21. Daurian Jackdaw  (Kokumaru-garasu = black-ball crow)  (*) ______  FW   HN:jan  KY:jan,feb,nov
    Coloeus
    (formerly Corvus) dauuricus  (monotypic)

  22. Rook  (Miyama-garasu = mountain-country crow)  (*)  ______ SS,FW   HN:jan  HI:apr,may  HK:jan  KY:jan,feb,nov,dec  AM:dec
    Corvus frugilegus pastinator

  23. Carrion Crow  (Hashiboso-garasu = thin-billed crow)  (*)  ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun,jul,oct,nov,dec  HI:apr,may  HK:jan,feb,may,jun,nov,dec  KY:jan,feb,may,jul,nov,dec
    Corvus corone orientalis

  24. Large-billed Crow  (Hashibuto-garasu = thick-billed crow)  (*) ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun,jul,oct,nov,dec  HI:apr,may  HK:jan,feb,may,jun,nov,dec  KY:jan,feb,may,jul,nov,dec  AM:jan,feb,may,jul,nov,dec  OK:jan,feb,may,jul,nov   
    Corvus macrorhynchos
    Corvus m. japonensis 
    (subspecies on Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu)
    Corvus m. connectens 
    (subspecies on Amami & Okinawa)
    (1, maybe 2, other subspecies occur on various Japanese islands)  
    Corvus m. osai  (subspecies on the Yaeyama Islands)

    The Large-billed Crow was considered conspecific with the Jungle Crow of southern Asia, Corvus levaillantii. 
    Proposed taxonomy would be: Japanese Crow, Corvus j. japonensis & C. j, connectens & C. m. osai

  25. Northern Raven  (Watari-garasu = migrant crow)  (JAr) (*) (ph) ______ FW   HK:jan,feb,dec
    Corvus corax kamtschaticus  


    TITS & PENDULINE TIT


  26. Marsh Tit  (Hashibuto-gara = thick-billed tit)  (*) ______  SS,FW   HK:jan,feb,may,jun,nov,dec
    Poecile
    (formerly Parus) palustris hensoni 

  27. Willow Tit  (Ko-gara = little tit)  (*) ______  SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun,oct  HK:jan,feb,may,jun  KY:jan,may,nov
    Poecile (formerly Parus) montanus restrictus 
    (Poecile m. sachalinensis, (a slightly paler subspecies, from Sakhalin Island, that may occur on Hokkaido as a vagrant.


  28. Varied Tit  (Yama-gara = mountain tit)  (JAneb) (*) ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun,jul,nov,dec  HI:may(once)  HK:jan,feb,may,dec  KY:jan,feb,may,nov,dec  AM:jan,feb,may,nov,dec  OK:jan,feb,may,jul,nov
    Poecile
    (formerly Parus) varius
    Poecile v. varius  (subspecies on Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu)
    Poecile v. amami 
    (subspecies on Amami & Okinawa)
    (Other subspecies occur on various Japanese islands,
    Poecile v. yakushimensis also on Amami Is. as a non-breeding visitant)

  29. Coal Tit  (Hi-gara = sun tit)  (*) ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun,oct  HI:apr(once)  HK:jan,feb,may,jun,dec  KY:jan,may,nov,dec
    Periparus
    (formerly Parus) ater insularis 

  30. Eastern Great Tit  (or "Japanese Tit")  (Shiju-kara = "forty" titmouse, referring to the call note) (*)  ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun,oct,nov,dec  HK:jan,feb,may,jun,nov,dec  KY:jan,feb,may,jul,nov,dec  AM:jan,feb,may,jul,nov,dec  OK:jan,feb,may,nov
    Parus minor
    Parus m. minor
      (subspecies on Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu)
    Parus m. amamiensis
     
    (subspecies on Amami)
    Parus m. okinawae
     
    (subspecies on Okinawa) 

    The Eastern Great Tit was considered conspecific with the Northern Great Tit of western Eurasia, Parus major

  31. Southern Great Tit  ______
    Parus cinereus nigriloris

    The Southern Great Tit occurs in Japan in southern Nansei Shoto on the islands of Ishigaki-jima and Iriomote-jima.

  32. Azure Tit  (JAr)  ______
    Cyanistes cyanus

    The Azure Tit has occurred in Japan as a vagrant in Hokkaido. 

  33. Chinese Penduline Tit  (Tsurisu-gara)  (*) ______ FW  KY:jan,feb    
    Remiz consobrinus

    The Chinese Penduline Tit was considered conspecific with other Penduline Tits across Eurasia - now 4 species.


    WAXWINGS

  34. Japanese Waxwing  (Hi-renjaku = red-flocking sparrow)  (nt) (*) ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,apr  HI:may  HK:jan,may  KY:jan,nov  AM:jan  
    Bombycilla japonica 
    (monotypic)

    The Japanese Waxwing is not a Japanese breeder.

  35. Bohemian Waxwing  (Ki-renjaku = yellow-flocking sparrow)  (*)  ______ SS,FW   HN:may  HK:jan  AM:jan
    Bombycilla garrulus (centralasiae) 


    SWALLOWS & MARTINS

  36. Barn Swallow  (Tsubame)  (*) (ph)  ______ SS,FW  HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun,jul,oct  HI:apr,may  HK:may  KY:jan,feb,may,jul,nov,dec  AM:jan,feb,dec  OK:jan,feb,may
    Hirundo rustica
    (2 subspecies recorded in Japan: Hirundo r. gutturalis (mostly), and Hirundo r. saturata)

  37. Pacific Swallow  (Ryukyu-tsubame)  (*)  ______ SS,FW   AM:jan,feb,may,jul,nov,dec  OK:jan,feb,may,jul,nov  NS:jan,may
    Hirundo tahitica namiyae

  38. Red-rumped Swallow  (Koshiaka-tsubame = red-rumped swallow)  (*) ______ SS,FW   HN:may  HI:may  KY:nov  AM:may
    Cecropis
    (formerly Hirundo) daurica japonica

  39. Sand Martin (or Bank Swallow (Shodo-tsubame - burrow swallow) (*) ______ SS   HN:apr,may  HI:apr,may  HK:jun
    Riparia riparia iijimae

  40. Grey-throated Martin  (JAr)  ______
    Riparia chinensis

    The Grey-throated Martin of southern Asia has occurred as an accidental in southern Japan.

  41. Asian House Martin  (Iwa-tsubame = rock swallow)  (*)  ______ SS,FW   HN:apr,may,jun  HK:may,jun  KY:jan,feb,may,nov  AM:jan  OK:jan,feb  
    Delichon d. dasypus

    The Asian House Martin was considered conspecific with the Northern House Martin of Europe and east into Siberia. 

  42. Northern House Martin  (JAr)  ______
    Delichon urbicum

    Northern House Martins
    from Siberia occur as rare migrants in Japan. Some winter in southeast China. 


    LONG-TAILED TIT


  43. Long-tailed Bushtit  (Enaga = long handle)  (*)  ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun,oct,nov  HK:jan,may,dec  KY:jan,may,nov,dec   
    Aegithalos caudatus 
    Aegithalos c. japonicus 
    (subspecies on Hokkaido)
    Aegithalos c. trivirgatus
     
    (subspecies on Honshu)
    Aegithalos c. kiusiuensis 
    (subspecies on Kyushu)
    A.c. japonicus in the Caudatus group, with head & throat white  
    A.c. trivirgatus
    & kiusiuensis in the Europaeus group, with
    head having dark lateral crown stripes 

    The Long-tailed Bushtit has been called Long-tailed Tit.


    LARKS


  44. Greater Short-toed Lark (JAr)  (Hime-kotenshi = Sakhalin small lark)  (*) ______ SS  HI:apr,may
    Calandrella cinerea longipennis 

  45. Asian Short-toed Lark  (Ko-hibari)  (JAr) ______
    Calandrella cheleensis

  46. Eurasian Skylark  (Hibari)  (*) ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun,oct,nov  HI:apr  HK:jan,jun  KY:jan,feb,may,nov,dec 
    Alauda arvensis japonica  ("
    Japanese Skylark"a resident in much of Japan)
    Alauda arvensis pekinensis  (HI)
    (A. a. pekinensis & A. a. lonnbergi are subspecies from mainland Asia that have occurred in Japan)

  47. Horned (or Shore) Lark  (Hama-hibari = shore lark)  (JAr)  ______
    Eremophila alpestris 

  48. Bimaculated Lark  (Kubiwa kotenshi = collared angel)  (JAr)  ______
    Melanocorypha bimaculata

    The Bimaculated Lark has been accidental in winter in the Ryukyu Islands, from December to April.
    It is a central Asian species.

  49. Mongolian Lark  (JAr)  ______
    Melanocorypha mongolica 
    (monotypic) 


    BULBULS

  50. Brown-eared Bulbul  (Hiyodori)  (JAneb) (*) (ph)  ______  SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun,jul,oct,nov,dec  HI:may  HK:jan,feb,may,jun,nov,dec  KY:jan,feb,may,jul,nov,dec  AM:jan,feb,may,jul,nov,dec  OK:jan,feb,may,jul,nov
    Microscelis
    (formerly Hypsipetes) amaurotis
    Microscelis a.
    amaurotis  (subspecies on Hokkaido, Honshu, & Kyushu)
    Microscelis a. ogawae
      (subspecies on Amami)
    Microscelis a. pryeri 
    (subspecies on Okinawa)

    (other subspecies occur on other, smaller, Japanese islands & in Taiwan)



    Brown-eared Bulbul, photographed during the FONT Jan/Feb 2009 tour in Japan
    (photo by Karl Frafjord)

  51. Light-vented Bulbul  (Shirogashira)  (*) ______ SS,FW   OK:jan,feb,may,jul,nov 
    Pycnonotus sinensis orii

  52. Himalayan Black Bulbul  (JAr)  ______  
    Hypsipetes leucocephalus

    The Himalayan Black Bulbul is a summer visitor in eastern Asia. It has occurred as an accidental in offshore Japan. 


    OLD WORLD WARBLERS

  53. Zitting Cisticola  (Sekka = under the snow)  (*)  ______ SS,FW   HN:apr,may,jun  KY:jan,may,jul,nov,dec  AM:jan,feb,may,jul,nov,dec  OK:jan,feb,may,jul,nov      
    Cisticola juncidis brunniceps
     

    The Zitting Cisticola was called the Fan-tailed Warbler, but there's a species so-named in Mexico, totally unrelated; also, now the cisticolas are not in the same family as the Old World Warblers.

  54. Plain Prinia  (JAr)  ______
    Prinia inornata

    The Plain Prinia of eastern China & Taiwan has occurred in Japan as an accidental in Okinawa. 

  55. Asian Stubtail  (Yabusame = bamboo shark)  (*)  ______ SS   HN:jun  HI:apr  HK:may,jun  KY:may 
    Cettia s. squameiceps

    The Asian Stubtail was called the Short-tailed Bush Warbler. 

  56. Japanese Bush Warbler  (Uguisu)  (*) (ph) ______  SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun,jul,oct,nov  HI:apr,may  KY:jan,feb,may,jul,nov,dec  AM:jan,feb,nov,dec  OK:jan,feb,may,jul,nov   
    Cettia diphone
    Cettia d. sakhalinensis 
    (subspecies on Honshu & Kyushu, non-breeding, winter)
    Cettia d. cantans 
    (subspecies on Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, breeding)
    Cettia d. riukiuensis 
    (subspecies on Amami & Okinawa)



    The Japanese Bush Warbler seen and heard during FONT Japan Tours
    in the Spring & the Winter  


  57. Korean Bush Warbler  (JAr)  ______
    Cettia canturians borealis

    The Korean Bush Warbler winters in southern Nansei Shoto  on Yaeyama Island. 

  58. Lanceolated (Grasshopper) Warbler  (Makino-sennyu = pasture grasshopper warbler)  (*) ______ SS  HK:jun
    Locustella lancolata hendersonii

  59. Gray's (Grasshopper) Warbler  (Ezo-sennyu = Hokkaido hermit, or gnome)  (*)  ______ SS   HI:may
    Locustella fasciolata amnicola

    The subspecies of the Gray's Warbler, L. f. amnicola, is sometimes considered distinct as the Stepanyan's Warbler, summering on Hokkaido, the southern Kuril Islands, and Sakhalin. 

  60. Middendorff's Warbler  (Shima-sennyu = island grasshopper warbler)  (JAr)  ______
    Locustella ochotensis

  61. Pallas's (Grasshopper) Warbler  (Shiberia-sennyu = Siberian grasshopper warbler)  (JAr)  ______
    Locustella certhiola

  62. Pleske's Warbler  (t3) (JAr)  ______
    Locustella pleskei

    Another name of the Pleske's Warbler has been Styan's Grasshopper Warbler.

  63. Marsh Grassbird  (O-sekka)  (t3) (*) ______ SS  HN:apr,may  
    Megalurus p. pryeri 

    The Marsh Grassbird has also been called the Japanese Marsh Warbler.

  64. Black-browed (or Schenk's) Reed Warbler  (Ko-yoshikiri = lesser reed-cutter)  (*) ______ SS  HI:may  HK:jun
    Acrocephalus bistrigiceps 
    (monotypic)

  65. Oriental Reed Warbler  (O-yoshikiri = large reed-cutter)  (*) ______ SS  HN:apr,may,jun  HI:apr,may   
    Acrocephalus orientalis

    The Oriental Reed Warbler was considered conspecific with the Great Reed Warbler of Europe, Acrocephalus orientalis.

  66. Thick-billed Warbler  (Hasibuto-oyoshikiri = big-billed large reed-cutter)  (JAr)  ______
    Acrocephalus aedon rufescens

  67. Streaked Reed Warbler  (JAr)  ______
    Acrocephalus sorghophilus

    The Streaked Reed Warbler has occurred as an accidental species in southern Japan, on the island of Yonaguni-jima.

  68. Paddyfield Warbler  (JAr)  ______
    Acrocephalus agricola

    The Paddyfield Warbler has occurred as an accidental in Japan.

  69. Blyth's Reed Warbler  (JAr)  ______
    Acrocephalus dumetorum

    The Blyth's Reed Warbler has occurred as an accidental in Japan in Hokkaido and Okinawa.

  70. Booted Warbler  (JAr)  ______
    Hippolais caligata

    The Booted Warbler has occurred as an accidental in Japan.

  71. Eastern Crowned Warbler  (Sendai-mushikui = Sendai insect-eater)  (*) (ph) ______ SS  HN:may,jun  HI:apr,may  HK:may,jun  
    Phylloscopus coronatus 
    (monotypic)



    The Eastern Crowned Warbler, found during FONT Japan Tours in the Spring 


  72. Sakhalin Leaf Warbler  (Ezo-mushikui = Hokkaido insect-eater)  (*)  ______ SS  HN:may  HI:apr,may  HK:may,jun   
    Phylloscopus borealoides 
    (monotypic)

    The Sakhalin Leaf Warbler was part of the Pale-legged Leaf Warbler. 

  73. Pale-legged Leaf Warbler  (JAr)  ______
    Phylloscopus tenellipes

    The Pale-legged Leaf Warbler breeds only in continental Asia, from the Amur River south to northern Korea. It is a rare migrant in Japan.

  74. Ijima's Leaf Warbler  (Ijima-mushikui = Ijima's insect-eater)  (t3) (JAeb)  ______   
    Phylloscopus ijimae  (monotypic)

    The Ijima's Leaf Warbler was historically included in the Eastern and Western Crowned Warblers and in the Pale-legged Leaf Warbler.

  75. Arctic Warbler  (Meboso-mushikui = Meboso insect-eater)  (*) ______ SS,FW  AM:jan,feb,nov,dec  HI:may  HN:jan  
    Phylloscopus borealis
     

    Several subspecies of the Arctic Warbler have been described based on subtle morphological characteristics, but the taxonomy varies considerably among different authors. Here, we give the following:

    Phylloscopus b. borealis, breeds in far eastern Russia. It winters in southeast Asia and Indonesia.
    Phylloscopus borealis kennicotti, breeds in western & central Alaska. It migrates through eastern Asia including Japan & Taiwan. It winters in Nansei Shoto in Japan, and in the Philippines and Indonesia.    

    And the following two species we split here from the Arctic Warbler:    

  76. Japanese Leaf Warbler  ______  
    Phylloscopus xanthodryas 

    The Japanese Leaf Warbler breeds in Japan except on Hokkaido, where the following species breeds. 

    This, and the previous and the following species, move through Japan during their northward and southward migrations. 

  77. Kamchatka Leaf Warbler  (*)  ______  SS  HI:may
    Phylloscopus examinandus 

    The Kamchatka Leaf Warbler breeds on at least the southern part of the Kamchatka Peninsula in eastern Siberia, and on Sakhalin, the Kurile Islands, and in Japan on Hokkaido.  
    It winters, as do the previous two species, in the Philippines and Indonesia, as well as elsewhere in southeast Asia. 

  78. Yellow-browed Warbler  (Kimayu-mushikui)  (JAr) (*) (ph) ______  FW SS   HI:may  AM:jan,nov
    Phylloscopus inornatus 
    (monotypic)



    Yellow-browed Warbler

  79. Dusky Warbler  (Muji-sekka)  (JAr) (*) ______ SS  HI:may
    Phylloscopus f. fuscatus

  80. Radde's Warbler  (JAr)  (Karafuto-muji-sekka)  (*) ______  SS  HI:may
    Phylloscopus schwarzi 
    (monotypic)

  81. Siberian Chiffchaff  (JAr) (*)  ______  SS   HI:may
    Phylloscopus tristus

    The Siberian Chiffchaff is an accidental migrant in offshore Japan, and rare in Japan in the winter.

  82. Mandelli's Leaf Warbler  (JAr)  ______
    Phylloscopus humei mandellii

    The Mandell's Leaf Warbler is part of the Hume's Warbler, closely related to the Yellow-browed Warbler.

  83. Pallas's Leaf Warbler  (Karafuto-mushikui)  (JAr)  ______
    Phylloscopus proregulus

  84. Wood Warbler  (Mori-mushikui)  (JAr)  ______
    Phylloscopus sibilatrix

  85. Willow Warbler  (Kita-yanagi-mushikui)  (JAr)  ______
    Phylloscopus trochilus

    The Willow Warbler is probably an annual offshore migrant in Japan from September to November.

  86. Tickell's Leaf Warbler  (JAr)  ______
    Phylloscopus affinis

    The Tickell's Leaf Warbler, that breeds in the Himalayas and western China, is an accidental in offshore Japan.

  87. Greenish Warbler  (JAr)  ______
    Phylloscopus trochiloides

    The Greenish Warbler, that breeds in Eurasia east to central China, has occurred as an accidental in offshore Japan.

  88. Two-barred Greenish Warbler  (JAr)  ______
    Phylloscopus (trochiloides) plumbeitarsus

    The Two-barred Greenish Warbler is said to be the eastern subspecies of the Greenish Warbler, but some say that it is possibly a full species.
    It occurs as an accidental in offshore Japan.

  89. Lesser Whitethroat  (JAr)  ______
    Sylvia curruca blythi

    The Lesser Whitethroat has occurred as an accidental in Japan.  


    LAUGHING THRUSHES & LEIOTHRIX

  90. Moustached Laughing Thrush  (JAi)  ______   (now widespread on the island of Shikoku)
    Garrulax cineraceus 

    In Japan, the Moustached Laughing Thrush is now widespread on the island of Shikoku. 


  91. Chinese Hwamei  (JAi) (*)  ______  FW  HN:oct
    Garrulax canorus

    The Chinese Hwamei is now well established in central & southern Japan.

  92. Red-billed Leiothrix  (Soushicho)  (JAi) (*) ______  SS,FW   KY:jan,may
    Leiothrix lutea  


    PARROTBILLS

  93. Bearded Reedling  (Higegara = bearded titmouse)  (JAr)  ______ 
    Panurus biarmicus russicus

    The Bearded Reedling occurs as a vagrant in Japan in the winter.

  94. Vinous-throated Parrotbill  (JAr)  ______
    Paradoxornis webbianus

    A common resident in Korea and elsewhere in eastern continental Asia, the Vinous-throated Parrotbill has occurred as an accidental in offshore Japan. 


    WHITE-EYES

  95. Japanese White-eye  (Mejiro = white eye)  (*) ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun,jul,oct,nov,dec  HI:apr,may  KY:jan,feb,may,jul,nov,dec  AM:jan,feb,may,jul,nov,dec  OK:jan,feb,may,jul,nov
    Zosterops japonica
    Zosterops j. japonica 
    (subspecies on Honshu, Kyushu)
    Zosterops j. yesoensis 
    (subspecies on Hokkaido & the southern Sakhalin Islands)  
    Zosterops j. loochooensis 
    (subspecies on Amami & Okinawa)
    (other subspecies occur on various, smaller, Japanese islands: Z. j. stejnegeri & Z. j. alani)

  96. Chestnut-flanked White-eye  (Chosen-mejiro)  (JAr)  ______
    Zosterops erythropleura

  97. Bonin Honeyeater  (Meguro)  (t3) (JAe)  ______  
    Apalapteron
    (or Zosterops) familare hahasima: subspecies on Haha Island  

    Another subspecies, the nominate, A. f. familiare, is now presumed extinct. It was on the islands of Mukojima and Chichijima. 

    Apalapteron familare has also been called the Bonin Islands Honeyeater. 
    Another name has been the Bonin White-eye. 


    GOLDCREST

  98. Goldcrest  (Kikuitadaki = chrysanthemum crown)  (*) (ph) ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,may  HK:jan,jun,nov,dec
    Regulus regulus japonensis


    WREN

  99. Eurasian Wren  (Misosazai)  (*) ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun  HK:jan,jun,dec  KY:jan,may,jul,nov
    Troglodytes
    (or Nannus) troglodytes fumigatus


    NUTHATCHES

  100. Eurasian Nuthatch  (Goju-kara = "fifty tit")  (*) (ph) ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun,oct  KY:jan,feb,may,nov
    Sitta europaea
    Sitta e. amurensis  (subspecies on Honshu)
    Sitta e. roseilia 
    (subspecies on Kyushu)

    (this species in the Europaea group)

  101. Siberian Nuthatch  (*) (ph)  ______  SS,FW   HK:jan,feb,may,jun,nov,dec
    Sitta asiatica 
    (this species in the Europaea group)



    A Siberian Nuthatch photographed in Hokkaido

  102. Eurasian Treecreeper  (Kivashiri = tree runner)  (*) ______  FW   HN:jan  HK:jan,feb,nov
    Certhia familiaris
    Certhia f. daurica 
    (subspecies on Hokkaido)
    Certhia f. japonica 
    (subspecies on Honshu)
    (these 2 subspecies in the northern Familiaris group)


    STARLINGS & MYNAS

  103. Common Starling  (Hoshi-mukudori)  (JAr) (*) (ph) ______ FW  KY:jan,feb,nov  OK:jan,feb
    Sturnus vulgaris poltaratskyi



    The Common Starling is 1 of 6 species of starlings we've seen during FONT tours in Japan.
    Occurring there in the winter, it is a rarity.
    (photo by Doris Potter)
          
  104. White-cheeked (or Grey) Starling  (Mukudori = bird of the muku tree)  (*) ______ SS,FW  HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun,oct,nov,dec  HI:apr,may  HK:feb  KY:jan,feb,may,nov,dec  AM:dec  OK:jan,feb,may 
    Sturnus cineraceus 
    (monotypic)

    Another name for the White-cheeked, or Gray, Starling has been Ashy Starling.

  105. White-shouldered Starling  (Kara-mukudori = starling of old China)  (JAr) (*) ______ FW  KY:jan  OK:jan,feb   
    Sturnus sinensis 
    (monotypic)

    The White-shouldered Starling has also been called the Gray-backed Starling or Myna.
     
  106. Red-billed Starling  (Gin-mukudori)  (JAr) (*)  ______  FW  KY:jan  OK:feb 
    Sturnus sericeus 
    (monotypic)

    The Red-billed Starling has also been called the Silky Starling.

  107. Chestnut-cheeked Starling  (Ko-mukudori = little starling)  (nt) (JAeb) (*) ______ SS  FW  HN:may,jun,oct  HI:may   
    Sturnus philippensis 
    (monotypic)

    The Chestnut-cheeked Starling has also been called the Violet-backed Starling or Myna.

  108. Daurian (or Purple-backed) Starling  (Shiberia-mukudori)  (JAr) (*) ______  SS  HI:may
    Sturnus sturninus 
    (monotypic)

  109. Asian Pied Starling  (JAr)  ______
    Sturnus contra

    The Asian Pied Starling is a resident in southern Asia from India to Indonesia.
    There are established feral populations of the species in central Honshu.

  110. Rosy Starling  (JAr)  ______
    Pastor roseus

    The Rosy Starling breeds in central Eurasia, and winters in southern Asia.
    It has strayed to Japan. 

  111. Crested Myna  (Hakkacho)  (JAi) (*) ______ FW  HN:jan
    Acridotheres cristatellus

  112. Javan Myna  (JAi)  ______
    Acridotheres javanicus

    The Javan Myna is introduced in Japan in central Honshu, where feral populations are now established. In it natural range, the species is endemic to Java.

  113. Bank Myna  (JAi)  ______
    Acridotheres ginginianus

    The Bank Myna is introduced in Japan, where it is found locally.

  114. Asian Glossy Starling  (JAr)  ______
    Aplonis panayensis

    The Asian Glossy Starling is an accidental in southern Japan in the early spring in March & April. 



    THRUSHES

  115. White-browed Shortwing  (JAr)  ______
    Brachypteryx montana sinensis

    The subspecies of the White-browed Shortwing, B. m. sinensis, lives in southeast China.
    It has occurred (once) in Japan on Hegura Island. The bird was said to be possibly an escapee.

  116. Blue Rock Thrush  (Iso-hiyodori = beach bulbul)  (*) ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,oct  HI:apr,may  KY:jan.feb,nov,dec  AM:jan,feb,may,jul,nov,dec  OK:jan,feb,may,jul,nov  NS:jan,may
    Monticola solitarius philippensis 
    (the "Red-bellied Rock Thrush")

  117. White-throated Rock Thrush  (Hima-isohiyo)  (JAr) (*) (ph) ______ SS   HI:may  
    Monticola gularis 
    (monotypic)



    Very much a rarity in Japan, this White-throated Rock Thrush
    was found on Hegura Island during a FONT tour in May 2005.


  118. Rufous-tailed (or White-backed) Rock Thrush  (Koshijiro-isohiyo)  (JAr)  ______
    Monticola saxatilis

  119. White's (Ground) Thrush  (Tora-tsugumi = tiger thrush)  (*) ______ SS,FW   HI:feb,apr,may  KY:jan  AM:jan,feb,dec  
    Zoothera aurera toratugumi 

    The White's Ground Thrush was considered conspecific with the Scaly Ground Thrush of southeast Asia.

  120. Amami (Ground) Thrush  (O-tora-tsugumi)  (t1) (JAe) (*) ______  SS,FW   AM:jan,may,jul,nov,dec  
    Zoothera amami 
    (monotypic)

  121. Siberian (Ground) Thrush  (Mamijiro = white eye-brow)  (*) (ph)  ______ SS  HN:may,jun  HI:may  
    Zoothera sibirica davisoni



    A male Siberian Thrush

  122. Kittlitz's (or Bonin Islands) Thrush  (Ogasawara-gabicho)  (JAe)  ______  (now extinct)
    Zoothera
    (formerly Cichlopasser) terrestris

  123. Gray-cheeked Thrush  (JAr)  ______
    Catharus minimus

  124. Brown-headed Thrush  (Akahara = red-belly)  (JAneb) (*) ______  SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun,nov,dec  HI:apr,may  HK:may,jun  KY:nov,dec  AM:jan,feb,nov,dec  OK:jan
    Turdus c. chrysolaus

    The Brown-headed Thrush has been called Brown Thrush.

  125. Pale Thrush  (Shirohara = white-belly)  (*) ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,nov,dec  HI:apr,may  KY:jan,feb,nov,dec  AM:jan,feb,nov,dec  OK:jan,feb,nov
    Turdus pallidus 
    (monotypic)

  126. Eye-browed (or Grey-headed) Thrush  (Mamichajinai = brown eye-browed bird)  (*) ______ SS,FW   HN:may,oct  HI:may  HK:may  KY:nov
    Turdus obscurus 
    (monotypic)

  127. Dusky Thrush  (Tsugumi)  (JArs) (*) (ph) ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun,nov,dec  HI:apr,may  HK:jan,feb,dec  KY:jan,feb,nov,dec  AM:jan,feb,nov,dec  OK:jan,feb,nov 
    Turdus eunomus 
    (monotypic)



    A Dusky Thrush photographed during a FONT tour in Japan

  128. Naumann's Thrush  (JAr) (*) (ph) ______ SS,FW   HN:jan  HI:apr,may  AM:feb  
    Turdus naumanni 
    (monotypic)

    The Naumann's Thrush was considered conspecific with the Dusky Thrush.



    A Naumann's Thrush during a FONT Japan Tour on Hegura Island  

  129. Japanese (Grey) Thrush  (Kuro-tsugumi = black thrush)  (*) ______ SS,FW   HN:apr,may  HI:apr,may  HK:may  AM;dec
    Turdus cardis 
    (monotypic)  

    The Japanese Thrush has been called the Grey Thrush, but there's another species with that name in Africa.
    The name Japanese Thrush notwithstanding, the species is not endemic to Japan, occurring also in China & Korea.    

  130. Izu Islands Thrush  (Akakokko)  (t3) (JAe)  ______
    Turdus calaenops

  131. Grey-backed Thrush  (Kara-akahara)  (JAr)  ______
    Turdus hortulorum

  132. Red-throated Thrush  (Nodoguro-tsugumi)  (JAr)  ______
    Turdus ruficollis

    The Red-throated Thrush was part of the Dark-throated Thrush. Both species are Asian. 

  133. Black-throated Thrush  (JAr)  ______
    Turdus atrogularis

    The Black-throated Thrush breeds in central Asia. It has been an accidental in Japan.

  134. Eurasian Blackbird  (Kuro-utadorui)  (JAr)  ______
    Turdus merlula

  135. Fieldfare  (Nohara-tsugumi)  (JAr)  ______
    Turdus pilaris

    There are several winter records of the Fieldfare in Japan.

  136. Redwing  (Wakiaka-tsugumi = red-flanked thrush)  (JAr) (ph)  ______
    Turdus iliacus

    The Redwing has been an accidental in Japan in the winter.

  137. Song Thrush  (Uta-tsugumi)  (JAr)  ______
    Turdus philomelos

    The Song Thrush has been an accidental in Japan in the winter.

  138. Mistle Thrush  (Yadorigi-tsugumi)  (JAr)  ______
    Turdus viscivorus 

    There are several winter records of the Mistle Thrush in Japan.

  139. European Robin  (JAr) (ph)  ______
    Erithacus rubecula

    The European Robin has been an accidental in Japan from May to November.

  140. Japanese Robin  (Komadori = steed bird)  (JAneb) (*) ______ SS  HN:apr,may  HI:apr  HK:may  KY:may
    Erithacus a. akahige

  141. Ryukyu Robin  (Akahige = red whiskers)  (nt) (*) (ph) ______ SS,FW   AM:jan,feb,may,nov,dec  OK:jan,feb,may,jul,nov
    Erithacus komadori
    Erithacus k. komadori
    (on Amami)
    Erithacus k. namiyei
    (on Okinawa)

    From the Japanese common names for the Japanese & Ryukyu Robins, notice that the scientific names for the 2 species were erroneously applied. 



    Ryukyu Robin, seen during FONT Japan Tours in Amami & Okinawa 

  142. Swinhoe's (or Rufous-tailed) Robin  (Shima-goma = striped steed)  (JAr) (*) (ph) ______  SS   HI:may
    Luscinia sibilans 
    (monotypic)



    A Swinhoe's, or Rufous-tailed, Robin during a FONT Japan Tour on Hegura Island 

  143. Siberian Rubythroat   (No-goma = field steed)  (*) (ph) ______ SS,FW   HI:apr,may  HK:jun  AM:jan 
    Luscinia calliope camtschhatkensis



    A Siberian Ruby-throat during a FONT Japan Tour on Hegura Island 

  144. Bluethroat  (Ogawa-komadori = Ogawa's robin)  (JArw) (*) (ph) ______ SS,FW   HI:may  AM:jan 
    Luscinia s. svecicus



    The Bluethroat was one of the migrants seen on 
    Hegura Island during the FONT Japan spring tour
    in 2007.    

  145. Siberian Blue Robin  (Ko-ruri = lesser azure) (*) ______ SS   HN:may,jun  HI:may
    Luscinia cyane bachaiensis  

  146. Red-flanked Bluetail   (Ruri-bitaki = azure chat)  (*) (ph) ______  SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,dec  HI:apr,may  HK:nov  KY:jan,nov  AM:jan,dec  OK:jan   
    Luscinia
    (formerly Tarsiger) c. cyanurus

    What was the Himalayan population of the Red-flanked Bluetail, the Orange-flanked Bush Robin, is no longer included in Luscinia cyanurus. 



    A Red-flanked Bluetail photographed during a FONT tour in Japan 

  147. Daurian Redstart  (Jo-bitaki = common chat)  (*) ______  SS,FW  HN:jan,feb,apr,may,oct,nov  HI:apr,may  HK:jan,dec  KY:jan,feb,nov,dec  AM:jan,nov,dec  OK:jan,feb,nov
    Phoenicurus a. auroreus

  148. Black Redstart  (Kuro-jo-bitaki)  (JAr) (*) ______  SS  HI:apr
    Phoenicurus ochruros phoenicuroides

  149. Common Redstart  (JAr)  ______
    Phoenicurus p. phoenicurus

    The Common Redstart is normally in western & central Eurasia.
    The subspecies P. p. phoenicurus has occurred as an accidental in offshore Japan in October & November, and in the nearby Kuril Islands.

  150. Siberian Stonechat  (No-bitaki = field chat)  (*)  ______  SS  HN:apr,may  HI:apr,may  HK:may,jun
    Saxicola stejnegeri

  151. Pied Bushchat  (Kuro-ko-bitaki)  (JAr)  ______
    Saxicola caprata

    The Pied Bushchat has been an accidental in southern Japan in the winter, occurring from January to March.  

  152. Grey Bushchat  (Yamazaki-hitaki)  (JAr)  ______
    Saxicola ferrea 

    The Grey Bushchat is mostly a resident, or a local migrant, in China. It has occurred as an accidental in offshore Japan. 

  153. Whinchat  (JAr)  ______
    Saxicola rubetra

    The Whinchat, of mostly western Eurasia, has occurred as an accidental in Japan.


    WHEATEARS

  154. Desert Wheatear  (Sabaku-hitaki)  (JAr) (*) (ph) ______ FW 
    Oenanthe d. deserti



    This Desert Wheatear was seen in Tokyo during 
    one of the FONT Japan winter tours.
    The species is a rarity in Japan.

       

  155. Pied Wheatear  (Seguro-sabaku-hitaki)  (JAr) (*)  ______  SS   HI:may
    Oenanthe p. pleschanka

  156. Isabelline Wheater  (Inaba-hitaki = Inaba chat)  (JAr) (*) ______ SS   HI:may 
    Oenanthe isabellina 

    Inaba was an old province in Japan, in southern Honshu, in an area that is today the eastern part of the Tottori prefecture.
    A specimen of Oenanthe isabellina was taken there back sometime between 1905 and 1910. 


  157. Northern Wheatear  (Hashiguro-hitaki)  (JAr)  (ph)  ______
    Oenanthe o. oenanthe 

    The Northern Wheatear has occurred in Japan from Hokkaido to Tsushima, and on Ogasawara and Iwo Islands. 


    OLD WORLD FLYCATCHERS

  158. Blue-and-white Flycatcher  (O-ruri = large azure)  (*) ______ SS  HN:may,jun  HI:apr,may  HK:may,jun  KY:may 
    Cyanoptila c. cyanomelana



    The Blue-and-white Flycatcher, seen & heard 
    during FONT Japan Tours in the Spring


  159. Asian Brown Flycatcher  (Ko-same-bitaki = small shark flycatcher)  (*) ______ SS  HN:may  HI:apr,may  HK;jun
    Muscicapa d. dauurica 
    (formerly M. latirostris)

  160. Dark-sided Flycatcher  (Same-bitaki = shark flycatcher)  (*) ______ SS  HN:may,oct  HI:may  HK:jun
    Muscicapa s. sibirica

    The Dark-sided Flycatcher was called Siberian Flycatcher. Another name that has been applied to the Dark-sided Flycatcher has been Sooty Flycatcher, which is inappropriate, however, as there's a bird so-named in Africa.   

  161. Gray-streaked Flycatcher  (Ezo-bitaki = Hokkaido flycatcher)  (*) ______ SS  HI:may
    Muscicapa griseisticta 
    (monotypic)

  162. Taiga Flycatcher  (Ojiro-bitaki)  (JAr) (*) ______ SS   HI:may  
    Muscicapa albicilla 
    (monotypic)

    The Taiga Flycatcher was part of the Red-breasted Flycatcher, Muscicapa parva, which has also occurred as an accidental in Japan.
      
  163. Red-breasted Flycatcher  (JAr)  ______
    Muscicapa parva

  164. Ferruginous Flycatcher  (Miyama-bitaki)  (JAr)  ______
    Muscicapa ferriginea

    The Ferruginous Flycatcher is a summer visitor in China, Taiwan, and it winters in southeast Asia.
    It is nearly an annual vagrant in southern Japan in March & April. 

  165. Mugimaki Flycatcher  (Mugimaki = wheat-sower)  (JAr) (*) ______ SS,FW   HI:may  KY:jan 
    Ficedula mugimaki 
    (monotypic)

  166. Narcissus Flycatcher  (Ki-bitaki = yellow flycatcher)  (JAneb) (*) (ph) ______ SS   HN:may  HI:apr,may  HK:jun  KY:may 
    Ficedula narcissina 
    (monotypic)





    Two photos above of Narcissus Flycatchers, one of the nicest birds
    to be seen during FONT Japan Tours in the Spring 


  167. Ryukyu Flycatcher  (Ryukyu Ki-bitaki)  (t2) (JAe) (*) ______  SS,FW   AM:jan,may,nov  OK:jan,feb 
    Ficedula owstoni 
    (monotypic)

    The Ryukyu Flycatcher was considered part of the Narcissus Flycatcher.

  168. Yellow-rumped (or Tricolored) Flycatcher  (Mamijiro-ki-bitaki)  (JAr) (*) (ph) ______ SS  HI:may
    Ficedula zanthopygia 
    (monotypic)



    A Yellow-rumped Flycatcher during a FONT Japan Tour on Hegura Island

  169. Chinese Flycatcher  (JAr)  ______
    Ficedula elisae 
    (monotypic)

  170. European Pied Flycatcher  (JAr)  ______
    Ficedula hypoleuca

    The European Pied Flycatcher has occurred as an accidental in Japan in October.

  171. Vivid Niltava  (JAr)  ______
    Niltava vivida

    The Vivid Niltava has occurred as an accidental in southern Nansei Shoto on the islands of Okinawa and Yonaguni-jima.


    MONARCH

  172. Japanese Paradise Flycatcher  (Sankocho = bird of three rays)  (nt) (JAneb) (*) ______ SS  HI:may  KY:may  AM:may  OK:may   
    Terpsiphone atrocaudata illex 
    (subspecies on Kyushu & Nansei Shoto islands)
    Terpsiphone a. atrocaudata 
    (subspecies on Honshu, & Hegura Island) 

    The Japanese Paradise Flycatcher has also been called Black Paradise Flycatcher.


    DIPPER
     
  173. Brown (or Pallas') Dipper  (Kawagarasu = river crow)  (*) ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun,oct  HK:jan,feb,nov,dec  KY:jan,feb,may,nov,dec
    Cinclus p. pallasii 


    SPARROWS & WEAVER


  174. Russet (or Cinnamon) Sparrow  (Nyunai-suzume = go-inside sparrow)  (*) ______ SS,FW  HI:apr  HK:may,jun  KY:jan,jul,dec
    Passer r. rutilans

  175. Eurasian Tree Sparrow  (Suzume)  (*) (ph) ______  SS,FW  HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun,jul,oct,nov,dec  HI:apr,may  HK:jan,feb,may,jun,nov,dec  KY:jan,feb,may,jul,nov,dec  AM:jan,feb,may,jul,nov,dec  OK:jan,feb,may,jul,nov 
    Passer montanus saturatus



    The Eurasian Tree Sparrow is the common "city sparrow" 
    in Tokyo and other Japanese cities. House Sparrows don't occur in Japan.
    (photo by Paul West)

  176. House Sparrow  (JAr)  ______
    Passer domesticus

    The House Sparrow, common as an introduced species in much of the world, and naturally as a resident in western & central Eurasia, has occurred as an accidental in Japan on Hokkaido, Honshu, and Hegura Island, from April to October.  

  177. Lesser Masked Weaver  (JAi)  ______
    Ploceus internedius

    In Japan, the Lesser Masked Weaver has been introduced and is now established in central Honshu.



    WAXBILLS, MUNIAS, WHYDAH, & allies
      
  178. Orange-cheeked Waxbill  (JAi)  ______
    Estrilda melpoda

    In Japan, feral populations of the Orange-cheeked Waxbill occur in central Honshu.

  179. Black-rumped Waxbill  (JAi)  ______
    Estrilda troglodytes

    In Japan, the Black-rumped Waxbill is introduced and a local breeder.

  180. Red Avadavat  (JAi)  ______
    Amandava amandava

    An introduced population of the Red Avadavat is established in southern Japan. 

  181. Scaly-breasted (or Spotted) Munia  (Amihara)  (JAi) (*) ______ SS,FW  OK:jan,feb,may,nov
    Lonchura punctulata

    The Scaly-breasted, or Spotted, Munia is also called Nutmeg Mannikin, or Spice Finch.

  182. White-rumped Munia  ______
    Lonchura striata

    The White-rumped Munia is a resident in Nansei Shoto, perhaps as a natural colonist.

  183. Black-headed Munia  (or Chestnut Munia (JAi)  ______
    Lonchura malacca atricapilla

    In Japan, there are established populations of the Black-headed Munia in Okinawa, Osaka, and Tokyo.

  184. White-headed Munia  (JAi)  ______
    Lonchura maja

    In Japan, a feral population of the White-headed Munia is established on Honshu in the Tokyo area.

  185. Java Sparrow  (or Java Finch) (t3)  (JAi)  ______
    Lonchura oryzivora

    The Java Sparrow occurs as an exotic in southern Japan. 

  186. Eastern Paradise Whydah  (JAi)  ______
    Vidua paradisea

    In Japan, the Eastern Paradise Whydah is an established exotic in central Honshu.


    ACCENTORS


  187. Japanese Accentor  (Kaya-kuguri = one who goes through dwarf yew)  (JAneb) (*)  ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,oct  HK:jan,may
    Prunella rubida fervida 
    (has been the subspecies on Hokkaido)

    Prunella r, rubida 
    (has been the subspecies elsewhere in Japan) 
    (But now said to be monotypic)

    The Japanese Accentor is rare in Hokkaido in the winter.  

  188. Alpine Accentor  (Iwa-hibari = rock lark)  ______  
    Prunella collaris

  189. Siberian Accentor  (Yama-hibari = mountain lark)  (JAr)  ______
    Prunella montanella


    PIPITS & WAGTAILS

  190. Richard's Pipit  (Mamijiro-tahibari = white-eyebrowed paddy lark)  (JAr) (*)   ______ SS   HI:may
    Anthus novaeseelandiae

  191. Olive-backed Pipit   (Binzui)  (*) (ph) ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun,oct  HI:apr,may  HK:may,jun  KY:jan,feb,nov,dec  AM:jan,dec
    Anthus h. hodgsoni
    (Anthus h. yunnanensis also occurs)

    The Olive-backed Pipit has been called Indian Tree Pipit.



    An Olive-backed PIpit, photographed during the 
    FONT January/February 2009 Tour in Japan

    (photo by Karl Frafjord)


  192. Tree Pipit  (Yoroppa-binzui)  (JAr) (*) ______  SS   HI:may
    Anthus trivialis haringtoni 
    (probably this subspecies)

  193. Red-throated Pipit  (Muneaka-tahibari = red-breasted pipit)  (JAr) (*) ______ FW  KY:feb,nov  AM:jan
    Anthus c. cervinus 

  194. "Siberian" Buff-bellied Pipit  (Tahibari = paddy lark)  (*) ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may  HI:may  KY:jan,feb,nov,dec  AM:jan,feb  OK:jan  
    Anthus (rubescens) japonicus

    The "Siberian Buff-bellied Pipit", Anthus rubescens japonicus, was part of the Water Pipit of Eurasia, but now it is considered conspecific with the Buff-bellied, or American, Pipit of North America, or possibly it is a distinct species, Anthus japonicus.
     
  195. Blyth's Pipit  (Ko-mamijiro-tahibari)  (JAr)  ______
    Anthus godlewskii

  196. Pechora Pipit  (Sejiro-tahibari)  (JAr)  ______
    Anthus gustavi

  197. Forest Wagtail  (Iwani-sekirei = sideways-swinging wagtail)  (JAr) (*)  ______  FW  KY:feb
    Dendronanthus indicus 
    (monotypic)

    The Forest Wagtail is a rare annual migrant in Japan. Some breed in the southwest. 

  198. Eastern Yellow Wagtail  (Tsumenaga-sekirei = white-eyebrowed long-clawed wagtail)  (JAr) (*) ______ SS   HI:may
    Motacilla tschutschensis 

     
  199. Western Yellow Wagtail  (JAr)  ______
    Motacilla flava

  200. Grey Wagtail  (Ki-sekirei = yellow wagail)  (*) ______  SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun,nov  HI:apr,may  HK:may,jun  KY:jan,feb,may,nov,dec  AM:jan,feb,nov,dec  OK:jan,feb,nov 
    Motacilla cinerea robusta

  201. White Wagtail  (Hojiro / Haku-sekirei = white wagtail)  (*) (ph) ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun,jul,oct,nov,dec  HI:apr,may  HK:jan,feb,may,jun,nov,dec  KY:jan,feb,may,jul,nov,dec  AM:jan,feb,nov,dec  OK:jan,feb,nov
    Motacilla alba lugens 
    (subspecies throughout Japan; the Black-backed WagtailHN  HI  HK  KY  AM  OK
    Motacilla alba leucopsis 
    (subspecies on Kyushu & Okinawa; called the "Amur Wagtail"  KY OK
    Motacilla alba ocularis 
    (subspecies during migration on Hegura Is., called the East Siberian Wagtail HI 
    Another subspecies from central Asia is a rare visitor in Japan: 
    Motacilla alba personata  (the "Masked Wagtail")

    As noted, three of the above subspecies of the White Wagtail have been found during FONT Japan Tours.


     
  202. Japanese Wagtail  (Seguro-sekirei = black-backed wagtail)  (JAe) (*) (ph)  ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun,oct,nov  HK:jan,dec  KY:jan,feb,nov,dec  OK:jan
    Motacilla grandis  



    Japanese Wagtail, photographed in Kyoto in 2015
    (photo by James Greenwood)

  203. Citrine Wagtail  (Kigashira-sekirei)  (JAr)  ______
    Motacilla citreola  


    FINCHES

  204. Brambling  (Atori)  (*) (ph) ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,oct  HI:apr,may  HK:jan  KY:jan,nov  
    Fringilla montifringilla 
    (monotypic)



    Above & below: Bramblings photographed during FONT tours in Japan
    Above: a male.  Below: a female
    (photos by Paul West)


      

  205. Oriental Greenfinch  (Kawara-hiwa = riverside finch)  (*) ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun,oct,nov,  HIapr,may  HK;jan,feb,may,jun,nov,dec  KY:jan,feb,may,nov,dec  
    Chloris
    (formerly Carduelis) sinica
    (Chloris s. minor breeds in Japan, Chloris s. kawarahiba is a winter visitor)

    Another name for the Oriental Greenfinch has been Gray-capped Greenfinch.

  206. Eurasian Siskin  (Ma-hiwa = true finch)  (*) (ph) ______ SS,FW   HN:jan  HI:apr,may  HK:jan,feb,jun,nov  KY:jan,nov  AM:jan,dec  OK:jan 
    Spinus
    (formerly Carduelis) spinus  (monotypic)



    A male Eurasian Siskin photographed during a FONT Japan Tour
    in the Spring

  207. Common Redpoll  (Beni-hiwa = rouge finch)  (*) (ph) ______ FW   HK:jan,nov
    Acanthis
    (formerly Carduelis) f. flammea

  208. Arctic (or Hoary) Redpoll  (Ko-beni-hiwa = small rouge finch)  (JAr)  ______
    Acanthis
    (formerly Carduelis) hornemanni exilipes 

  209. Pine Grosbeak  (Ginzan-mashiko = silver mountain rosy-finch)  (*) (ph) ______ SS   HK:jun
    Pinicola enucleator sakhalinensis

  210. Common (or Red) Crossbill  (Isuka) (*) (ph) ______  FW   KY:jan
    Loxia curvirostra japonica

  211. Two-barred (or White-winged) Crossbill  (Naki-isuka = crying crossbill)  (JAr)  ______
    Loxia leucoptera bifasciata

  212. Asian Rosy Finch  (Hagi-mashiko = lespedeza rosy-finch) (*) (ph) ______ SS,FW   HN:jan  HI:apr  HK:jan,feb,nov 
    Leucosticte arctoa brunneonucha

    The Japanese word "mashiko" means "monkey-child". 



    Asian Rosy Finches are seen during FONT Japan Tours
    in the Winter


  213. Long-tailed Rosefinch  (Beni-mashiko = red rosy-finch)  (*) (ph) ______  SS,FW   HN:jan,feb  HI:apr  HK:may,nov,dec  KY:jan 
    Uragus sibiricus sanguinolentus



    A Long-tailed Rosefinch in Japan in the Winter

  214. Pallas's Rosefinch (JAr)  (O-mashiko = large rosy-finch)  (*) (ph) ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr
    Carpodacus roseus portenkoi



    The Pallas's Rosefinch has been seen during FONT Japan Tours
    in both the Winter & the Spring, but more so in the Winter

     
     
  215. Common (or Scarlet) Rosefinch  (Aka-masiko)  (JAr)  ______
    Carpodacus erythrinus

  216. Bonin Grosbeak  (Ogasawara-mashiko)  ______  (extinct)
    Chaunoproctus ferreorostris

    The Bonin Grosbeak was endemic to the Ogasawara Islands. It was discovered in 1827. A search for it in the 1850s was unsuccessful. Apparently it was uncommon and extirpated by introduced mammals.    

  217. Eurasian Bullfinch  (Uso)  (*)  ______ SS,FW   HN;jan,feb,may  HI:apr,may  HK:jan,feb,may,nov  KY:jan,nov
    Pyrrhula pyrrhula
    Pyrrhula p. rosacea
    (subspecies on Hokkaido)
    Pyrrhula p. griseiventris 
    (subspecies on Hokkaido & Honshu, sometimes known as "Grey-bellied Bullfinch")

  218. Japanese Grosbeak  (Ikaru)  (*)  ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun  HI:may  HK:jan,may,jun,nov  KY:jan,may,nov
    Eophona p. personata

  219. Chinese Grosbeak  (JAr)  (Ko-ikaru = small grosbeak)  (JAr) (*) (ph)  ______  SS   HI:may
    Eophona m. migratoria



    Chinese Grosbeaks during a FONT Japan Tour on Hegura Island 

  220. Hawfinch  (Shime)  (*) ______ SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,nov  HI:apr,may  HK:jan,feb,may,jun,dec  KY:jan
    Caccothraustes caccothraustes japonicus


    NEW WORLD WARBLER

  221. Wilson's Warbler  (JAr)  ______
    Wilsonia pusilla


    BUNTINGS

  222. Snow Bunting  (Yuki-hojiro = snow bunting)  (*) (ph) ______ FW   HK:jan
    Calcarius
    (formerly Plectrophenax) nivalis vlasowae

  223. Lapland Bunting (or Longspur (Tsumenaga-hojiro = long-clawed bunting)  (*)  ______  FW  HK:jan
    Calcarius lapponicus kamtschaticus

  224. Grey Bunting  (JAneb)  (Kuroji = black small bird)  (*)  ______  SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,may.jun,nov,dec  HI:may  HK:may  KY:jan,feb  AM:dec  OK:feb
    Emberiza v. variabilis

  225. Black-faced Bunting  (Aoji = greenish small bird)  (*) ______  SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun,oct,nov  HI:apr,may  HK:may,jun  KY:jan,feb,nov,dec  AM:jan,feb,nov,dec 
    Emberiza spodocephala personata 
    (subspecies breeds throughout Japan: "Masked Bunting")
    Emberiza s. spodocephala 
    (subspecies breeds on mainland Asia; winters in Nansei Shoto & seen in migration on Hegura Island)



    Black-faced Bunting

  226. Japanese Yellow Bunting  (Nojiko = field path child)  (t3) (JAeb) (*) ______ SS  HN:may  HI:may  
    Emberiza sulphurata 
    (monotypic)

    The Japanese Yellow Bunting has also been called Siebold's Bunting.

  227. Meadow Bunting  (Hijiro = white cheek)  (*)  ______  SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,jun,oct,nov  HI:may(once)  HK:jun  KY:jan,feb,may,jul,nov,dec
    Emberiza cioides ciopsis

  228. Yellow-breasted Bunting  (Shima-aoji = island green bunting)  (*) (ph) ______ SS  HI:may  HK:jun 
    Emberiza aureola ornata



    Yellow-breasted Buntings breed on Hokkaido, Japan
    in the Spring and Summer

     
  229. Chestnut Bunting  (Shima-nojiko = island yellow bunting)  (JAr) (*)  ______ SS   HI:may
    Emberiza rutila 
    (monotypic)

  230. Chestnut-eared (or Grey-headed) Bunting  (Hoaka = red cheek)  (*)  ______  SS,FW   HI:may  KY:jan,feb,dec
    Emberiza f. fucata

  231. Rustic Bunting  (Kashiradaka = high head)  (*)  ______  SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,oct  HI:apr,may  HK:jan,dec  KY:jan,nov,dec
    Emberiza rustica latifascia

  232. Elegant Bunting  (Miyama-hojiro = mountain-country bunting)  (*) (ph) ______ SS,FW   HN:jan  HI:apr,may  KY:jan,feb,may,nov,dec  AM:feb,dec 
    Emberiza e. elegans

    The Elegant Bunting has been called the Yellow-throated Bunting. 



    Elegant Buntings breed on mainland Asia, but in the winter they occur in Japan.
    During that season, they've been seen during FONT tours on Honshu, Kyushu, & Amami.   
    The species has also been seen during FONT Japan Tours in the Spring.

      
  233. Yellow-browed Bunting  (Kimayu-hojiro)  (JAr) (*)  ______  SS   HI:may
    Emberiza chrysophrys 
    (monotypic) 

  234. Little Bunting  (Ko-hoaka = lesser red cheek)  (JAr) (*)  ______  SS   HI:may
    Emberiza pusilla 
    (monotypic)

  235. Tristram's Bunting  (Shirohara-hojiro)  (JAr) (*) (ph) ______  SS   HI:may
    Emberiza tristrami 
    (monotypic)



    A Tristram's Bunting during a FONT Japan Tour on Hegura Island

  236. Common Reed Bunting  (O-jurin = large reed bunting)  (*)  ______  SS,FW   HN:jan,feb,apr,may,oct  HI:apr,may  HK:dec  KY:jan,feb,nov,dec
    Emberiza schoeniclus pyrrhulina

  237. Pallas' Reed Bunting  (Shiberia-jurin = Siberian reed bunting)  (JAr) (*)  ______  FW   KY:jan,feb,nov
    Emberiza pallasi minor

  238. Japanese Reed Bunting  (Ko-jurin = small reed bunting)  (nt) (*) (ph) ______  SS,FW  HN:jan,apr,may  
    Emberiza y. yessoensis

    The Japanese Reed Bunting has also been called the Ochre-rumped Bunting.



    A singing Japanese Reed Bunting photographed 
    during a FONT Japan Tour in the Spring 
    (photo by Paul West)  

  239. Pine Bunting  (Shiraga-hojiro = white-haired bunting)  (JAr)  ______
    Emberiza leucocephala

  240. Black-headed Bunting  (Zuguro-chakincho = black-headed brownish-yellow bird)  (JAr)  ______
    Emberiza melanocephala

  241. Ortolan Bunting  (Zuao-hojiro)  (JAr)  ______
    Emberiza hortulana

  242. Grey-necked Bunting  (JAr)  ______
    Emberiza buchanani

    The Grey-necked Bunting, of central Asia, has occurred in Japan as an accidental, in October.

  243. Red-headed Bunting  (JAr)  ______
    Emberiza bruniceps

    The Red-headed Bunting, of central Asia, has occurred as a vagrant in offshore Japan.   

  244. Yellowhammer  (Ki-aoji = yellow-green bunting)  (JAr) (ph)  ______
    Emberiza citrinella

  245. Savannah Sparrow  (Sabanna-shitodo)  (JAr) (ph)  ______
    Ammodramus sandwichensis 

    Shitodo is an ancient Japanese name for "bunting".
    Also used for the White-crowned Sparrow and Golden-crowned Sparrow, below. 

  246. Fox Sparrow  (Gomafu-suzume = seseme-spotted sparrow)  (JAr)  ______
    Passerella
    (formerly Zonotrichia) iliaca unalaschcensis

    Passerella iliaca unalaschcensis is the Sooty Fox Sparrow that breeds in southern Alaska.

  247. White-crowned Sparrow  (Miyama-shitodo = mountain country bunting)  (JAr) (ph)  ______
    Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii

  248. Golden-crowned Sparrow  (Kigashira-shitodo = yellow-headed bunting)  (JAr)  ______
    Zonotrichia atricapilla

  249. Song Sparrow  (JAr) (ph)  ______
    Melospiza melodia maxima
    Melospiza melodia sanaka

    These 2 subspecies of the Song Sparrow, that have occurred in eastern Asia including Japan, are among almost 40 subspecies in total for the species.

  250. Crested Bunting  (JAr)  ______
    Melophus lathami

    The Crested Bunting, an Asian bird normally east to eastern China, has occurred as an accidental in offshore Japan.

  251. Red-crested Cardinal  (JAi) (ph)  ______
    Paoaria coronata

    In Japan, there is a feral population of the Red-crested Cardinal in central Honshu.
    The bird, of South America, is common in the cagebird trade.

     

Some Additional Notes:

The Desert Wheatear, a rarity in Japan, was seen in Tokyo during the January 1998 FONT tour, present by a small river in the city. It attracted many Japanese birders (including numerous photographers). Food was put out for the rather tame bird. Thus, it came in closely to observers (including us). 

The Mugimaki Flycatcher, of the Asian mainland, is a rare bird in Japan, other than on Hegura and other offshore islands in the Sea of Japan, where it's a regular migrant, normally in May or October.
In January, the species is normally found in southern China, Indonesia, and rarely the Philippines. The breeding range is northern Asia: Manchuria, southern Siberia, and west to Inner Mongolia. Migration, in the Spring and the Fall, is normally through eastern and central China, Korea, and Indochina. The species has been seen in Japan in the Spring during our tour on Hegira Island in the Sea of Japan. 
But more surprisingly, during the FONT 1996 Japan Winter Birding Tour, on January 28, a pair of Mugimaki Flycatchers were seen well in southern Kyushu. The male and female, associating with each other, in a forested area, at a roadside stop, in the Ebino Plateau. The male was photographed.

The Eurasian Magpie has occurred in Japan for decades on the island of Kyushu in the area of Fukuoka. Recently, it has also occurred locally in southwestern Hokkaido.

To Top of Page