Hello, everyone! When you’re walking through the forest, you might just come across a charming bird. Its name is the Brown-headed Thrush.
The Brown-headed Thrush is about 24 cm long. It has a dark brown head, with a slightly blackish face and throat. Its beak and legs have a subtle orange hue, giving it an overall warm appearance.
This bird is a migratory species that thrives in Japan’s seasonal changes. In the summer, it resides in the highlands and mountains of central Honshu to Hokkaido, where it raises its young. As winter approaches, it migrates to warmer regions. You might spot it from autumn to winter in western Japan or on the plains of Honshu, so keep an eye out during your strolls. Interestingly, some Brown-headed Thrushes also come to Japan from abroad to spend the winter.
Its diet mainly consists of insects, often foraging on the ground for earthworms and small bugs. During certain seasons, it also enjoys fruits. And its song is truly special—it sings a trembling “Kyarankyaran Chee” from spring to early summer. Wouldn’t you love to hear it? By the way, there’s a similar bird called the Pale Thrush, which also resembles the Brown-headed Thrush in appearance and behavior, but it mainly visits Japan in the winter.
So next time you’re walking through the forest, be on the lookout for the Brown-headed Thrush’s vibrant orange and its delightful song. Until next time!
