※ In Japanese, “Oshidori(= Mandarin duck) fufu(=couple)” refers to a happily married couple. Hello, everyone! Today, let’s talk about the Mandarin duck, a colorful bird that lives in the lakes and marshes of Japan. Despite their beautiful appearance, they have a surprising side! Mandarin ducks are about 45 cm in length. They breed in tree…

Hello, everyone! Today, let’s talk about a somewhat unusual bird, known as the Red-capped Lark. This little bird is like a tiny adventurer. Though it appears rather plain, it’s a rare and special member of the lark family. With a total length of about 14 cm, it’s slightly smaller than a sparrow. Its back and…

Hello, dear readers! Today, let’s talk about the Northern Goshawk, a majestic bird gracefully soaring through Japan’s skies. The Northern Goshawk, a medium-sized bird belonging to the hawk family, is characterized by its grey feathers with a bluish tinge. In Japan, this bird has traditionally been what most people think of when they hear the…

Hello, everyone! Today, I want to talk about New Zealand’s national bird, the Kiwi, which fascinates many people with its unique features. First, when you hear ‘Kiwi’, you might think of the kiwifruit. Interestingly, the fruit is named after the bird! It was named after New Zealand’s adorable national bird, the ‘Kiwi’, when it was…

Hello, everyone! Today, let’s introduce a bird that quietly accompanies our daily lives – the Brown-Eared Bulbul. The Brown-Eared Bulbul belongs to the bulbul family in the order Passeriformes and inhabits a wide range of areas, from forests to urban environments. This small bird is about 28 cm in length and can stretch its wings…

Hello, everyone! Today, let’s talk about the “Willow Tit.” This bird, slightly smaller than a sparrow, inhabits the mountainous regions of Japan. Learning about its adorable appearance and ecology will surely make you find it even more charming. The Willow Tit is petite, measuring about 12.5 cm in length, and its distinctive black “beret-like” head…

Hello, dear readers of Bird Beans! Today, I want to talk about a unique bird native to New Zealand, the Kakapo, as requested by a friend who said, “Introduce it, please!” The word “Kakapo” in Maori means “night parrot.” It’s the only nocturnal parrot in the world that can’t fly. The Kakapo is a large…

Hello, everyone! The bird with the charming yellow beak is a wild bird that quietly resides in the forested areas of Japan. What is the origin of its name? Also, what kind of relationship does this bird have with Nara Prefecture? The Japanese Grosbeak, measuring about 23cm in size and known for its robust build,…

Hello! Today, let’s talk about the Daurian Redstart, a small bird that is perfect for the winter season. The Daurian Redstart is a small migratory bird belonging to the thrush family, known as a “winter bird” for visiting Japan in the colder months. It is slightly smaller than a sparrow, measuring about 15cm in length….

Hello everyone! Today, let’s explore the world of a small seabird, the Japanese Murrelet. The Japanese Murrelet, about the size of a Starling (approximately 24cm in length), has an appearance reminiscent of a penguin. Its chubby, adorable physique and relatively short wings are distinctive. These birds feature a striking contrast with black crown feathers and…

Hello, everyone! Today, let’s talk about the differences between two small, adorable birds: the Long-tailed Tit and Hokkaido’s Long-tailed Tit. The simple way to distinguish them is by their “facial patterns” and “habitats”! The Long-tailed Tit is a small bird found throughout Japan, from Kyushu northwards, measuring about 13.5 cm in total length. Almost half…