Hello everyone! Small adventurers descend from the sky. They are known as Bramblings. These birds come from distant lands to spend the winter in Japan.
Bramblings are winter birds with a total length of 16cm and an attractive appearance. Particularly, the males are very colorful, with a black head, orange chest, and white belly. When they fly, a glimpse of their white lower back adds a touch of style. The females, although not as striking as the males, display similar colors. Notably, their tails are M-shaped at the tip.
Bramblings, appearing in ancient Japanese texts like Nihon Shoki and Man’yōshū, are famous for their large flocks. They have been described as covering the sky, gathering in hundreds or sometimes hundreds of thousands. In Japan, they can be observed from October to April.
Bramblings are voracious eaters, feasting on fruits, seeds, and small insects. They are particularly fond of the red berries of the rowan tree. Historically considered pests and used for food, hunting them is now mostly a practice of the past. Today, they are valued for their rare and interesting presence.
Once seen as a bit of a nuisance, the sight of Bramblings swirling in the sky is now an integral part of nature. Why not enjoy the journey of the Bramblings with us? Within their small bodies lie great strength and many stories.
