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 forests from flatlands to mountains. Live alone or in pairs. Have distinct red feathers on the abdomen towards tails. The body color for male and female is almost the same but the back of head for male is red and black for female. Stay on the tree trunk vertically and pick up larvae and nymphs of insects from hollows of tree barks. Also feed on nuts of lacquer trees and crimson glory vine. Mostly stay in forests but sometimes hunt in low grasslands and croplands. Chirp “kyo kyo” normally but “quere quere” while flying. Often do drumming during breeding season. Build a nest in a hollow of fresh or dead Japanese red pine and white birch from May to July. Lay five to seven eggs in a season.
●Body Length about 24 cm
●Season January to December (resident bird, bird that stay in the same area all year round)
●Body Length about 24 cm
●Season January to December (resident bird, bird that stay in the same area all year round)