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.
Come back to Japan in autumn from breeding ground in Siberia to spent winter. Live in open spaces including forests in low elevations, riverbeds and parks. The body color of male is silver on the head and the back of neck and distinct orange on abdomen. Stand on branches and stakes and chirp sounding like “he he” right after they arrive Japan to announce own territory. Also chirp sounding like “qua qua” after bowing and swing a tail. This sound is similar the sound hitting flints, hence the Japanese name hitaki for birds in muscicapidae family and it literally means to start a fire. Live alone and hunt for insects and spiders and also feed on fruits of Japanese spindles and pyracantha. Fly back north for breeding in early spring.
●Body Length about 14 cm
●Season October to March (Winter bird, fly to Japan in autumn and spend winter and fly away in spring.)
●Body Length about 14 cm
●Season October to March (Winter bird, fly to Japan in autumn and spend winter and fly away in spring.)