One of great attraction of Mt. Takao is to be able to observe all kinds of birds. Its number is almost 150 kinds which is one third of the species confirmed in all over Japan. Mt. Takao is the paradise for birds and one of the best place for bird watching. Various kinds of birds and its lifestyle could be observed including summer birds come in spring time, winter birds come from the higher altitude and hearing beautiful bird songs during breeding season.
Live in flatlands and mountains in Hokkaido and northern parts of Honshu from spring to summer, but come down south in autumn. Fly to Mt. Takao as a winter birds (fly to Japan in autumn and spend winter and fly away in spring). The body color of male is dark gray and female is black brown, hence the Japanese name Kuroji literally meaning black base color. Prefer shady and dark environment and jump around sasa shrubs or bushes of plants. Is a very careful bird, even if they come out to forest trails but hide immediately in bushes when sensing danger. Feed on seeds of plants and also insects and spiders. The breeding season is June. Male come out to bright and open space on branch and chirp “ho-I ci ci ci”. Build a cup-shaped nest with fallen leaves in bamboo shrubs and lay three to five eggs.
●Body Length about 17 cm
●Season November to March (wandering bird, bird that have different areas for breeding and spending winter)
●Body Length about 17 cm
●Season November to March (wandering bird, bird that have different areas for breeding and spending winter)