Hello everyone! In the natural beauty of Japan, there’s a bird with a captivating song that truly stands out. Known as the Hwamei, which translates to “painted eyebrows” in Chinese, this bird originally inhabited southern China and northern Southeast Asia. Today, it can also be seen in Japan, bringing an exotic flair to the local avian population.
The Hwamei is approximately 22-25 cm in length, with a yellow beak and a long tail. Its body is a mix of brown and yellowish-brown, highlighted by a grey abdomen. The most striking feature, however, is the white eyebrows around its eyes, adding to its charm.
Renowned for its beautiful singing voice, the Hwamei is capable of mimicking the calls of other birds, such as the Japanese bush warbler, the Narcissus flycatcher, and the Blue-and-white flycatcher. Its song is loud and melodious, characterized by long, complex tunes. This ground-foraging bird feeds on insects and fruits while residing in the underbrush of low mountains and riverbanks near human settlements.
Introduced during the pet boom of the 1970s, the Hwamei has since become feral. This situation prompts us to reconsider how we interact with nature and the importance of responsible behavior.
Now a part of Japan’s natural landscape, the Hwamei adds a unique color to the local environment. Why not take a moment to enjoy the beautiful songs of the Hwamei? Until next time!
