Hello everyone! As summer arrives, a beautiful migratory bird, the Japanese Paradise Flycatcher, comes to Japan. With its unique call and captivating appearance, it enchants many people. Today, I’d like to introduce you to this fascinating bird!
The male Japanese Paradise Flycatcher is renowned for its long tail feathers, which can grow up to three times the length of its body during the breeding season. This means the entire bird, including its tail, measures about 45 cm. Its face is a striking blackish-purple, with a reddish tint on the back, and a dull white belly. The male also boasts vivid blue eye-rings and a bill that adds to its charm. The female, while shorter at about 18 cm, has a subtler blue around her eyes and bill. Her back and tail are a rich reddish-brown, with tail feathers roughly equal to her body length.
These birds prefer dark forests in lowlands and hilly areas. They migrate to Japan as summer birds, establishing territories and breeding here. Japanese Paradise Flycatchers primarily feed on insects, often catching them mid-air with graceful agility.
Most of the Japanese Paradise Flycatchers that breed in Japan migrate to southern China and Sumatra to overwinter. Their nest-building is quite unique—they craft cup-shaped nests using the bark of cedar and cypress trees, which they then camouflage with lichen, adhering it with spider silk. This meticulous work results in perfectly fitting, beautiful bowl-shaped nests.
The Japanese Paradise Flycatcher is also the prefectural bird of Shizuoka and features on the emblem of the local soccer team, Júbilo Iwata. The team’s mascots, Jubilo-kun and Jubi-chan, are modeled after this bird.
Loved for its beautiful appearance and song, the Japanese Paradise Flycatcher is a highlight of summer in Japan. Next time you stroll through the woods, be on the lookout for this enchanting bird and its melodious call. Until next time!
