Top 15 Types Of Birds In Japan (With Pictures)

Uncover the top 15 types of birds in Japan through stunning visuals and intriguing facts, revealing a…

birds found in japan

Japan is home to a fascinating array of birds, reflecting the country's diverse habitats. Among the top species are the Black Drongo, easily recognized by its glossy black plumage and unique forked tail, and the Common Kingfisher, notable for its vibrant blue upper parts and remarkable underwater vision. The Black Kite, soaring effortlessly while hunting for diverse prey, and the Daurian Redstart, with its striking rust-colored belly and confident demeanor, are also prevalent. These birds, along with others like the Little Egret and Eurasian Tree Sparrow, form a vibrant part of Japan's avifauna, offering much to discover for enthusiasts.

Black Drongo

elegant black bird species

The Black Drongo, easily identified by its glossy black plumage and distinctive forked tail, is a common sight across various habitats in Japan.

These birds, about 28 cm long, feature gray beaks and legs, enhancing their recognition.

Found in Japan's savannas, fields, and urban areas, Black Drongos are agile fliers and proficient insect hunters, greatly aiding in local pest control.

Black Kite

bird of prey species

Shifting focus to another notable avian species in Japan, Black Kites stand out with their dark brown to brownish red plumage and expert aerial hunting abilities.

These birds of Japan soar gracefully, capturing a diverse diet including frogs, mice, and snakes with their sharp, black hooked beaks.

Commonly seen in both urban and rural settings, Black Kites are a mesmerizing sight for birdwatchers.

Common Kingfisher

vibrant blue and orange

Distinguished by their vibrant blue upper parts and rufous chest, Common Kingfishers are small yet striking birds native to Japan.

Measuring about 16 cm, they have a sharp black bill for fishing and a specialized transparent eyelid for underwater vision.

These birds, needing to consume 60% of their body weight daily, are expert divers, adept at plunging headfirst to catch their aquatic prey.

Common Myna

invasive bird species australia

Easily recognized by its glossy black head and contrasting brown body, the Common Myna measures 23 cm in length and boasts a striking white undercarriage. This bird's long yellow legs and bill highlight its distinct appearance.

Known for its adaptability, the Common Myna thrives in various environments, feeding on insects, fruits, and more, making it a particularly invasive species.

Daurian Redstart

small colorful asian bird

The Daurian Redstart is a small, vibrantly colored bird native to Japan. Known for its rust-colored belly and confident interactions with humans, these small birds inhabit forests and wooded areas. They exhibit a vibrant appearance that easily catches the eye. Males display a striking contrast with a grey cap and black wings, while females have a more subdued brownish-gray shade with an orange tail.

Eastern Spot-Billed Duck

asian migratory waterfowl species

Renowned for their distinctive blue speculum and yellow-spotted bill, Eastern Spot-Billed Ducks are a prevalent species in Japan's aquatic landscapes.

These aquatic birds, found near wetlands, rivers, and ponds, are known for grazing on plants and snails.

Their unique feeding habits play a crucial role in the biodiversity of their habitats, making them an essential part of Japan's ecological tapestry.

Grey Heron

elegant bird with long legs

Standing tall at up to 100 cm, Grey Herons in Japan exhibit a striking appearance with their white plumage and narrow bluish-black stripes. Native to temperate climates, these common birds in Japan are easily identified by their light gray wings and dark slate-gray wingtips.

Typically found near water bodies, they have faint yellow bills and dark pink to brown legs, marking their presence distinctly.

Indian Peafowl

beautiful bird with iridescent feathers

Indian Peafowls are frequently seen in Japan, where they are admired for their striking tail feathers. These birds, originating from South Asia, have successfully acclimated to the Japanese landscape. The males are known for their vibrant and shimmering plumage, which they flaunt particularly during courtship rituals. In contrast, the females, called peahens, have more muted colors and do not possess elaborate tail feathers. Their diet consists of a variety of foods such as seeds, fruits, insects, and even small reptiles, showcasing their adaptability as omnivores.

Having adapted well to Japanese environments, Indian Peafowls are a captivating sight, especially when the males showcase their magnificent plumage. These birds, native to South Asia, have seamlessly integrated into the Japanese landscape. During courtship, the males display their colorful and iridescent feathers, creating a striking visual display. In contrast, the females, known as peahens, have a more understated appearance without the extravagant tail feathers. Their diverse diet, which includes seeds, fruits, insects, and small reptiles, highlights their versatility as omnivorous birds.

Japanese Tit

bird species in japan

The Japanese Tit, also known as the Eastern Great Tit, is a small passerine bird that is commonly found across various habitats in Japan.

Exhibiting a distinctive black head and yellow chest, these birds thrive in forests, parks, and gardens.

They primarily feed on insects and seeds, displaying acrobatic feeding behavior as they skillfully cling to branches in search of food.

Light-Vented Bulbul

bird species in singapore

Light-Vented Bulbuls, also recognized as Chinese Bulbuls, are a prevalent bird species throughout Japan. Adults measure about 18 cm long, featuring olive-green upperparts and bright yellow underparts. Notable for their distinctive white eye-stripe and light-colored vent, these social birds thrive in diverse habitats.

They primarily feed on fruits, berries, insects, and nectar, playing key roles in seed dispersal and pollination.

White Wagtail

a small graceful bird

Shifting focus to another notable species, White Wagtails are easily spotted by their striking coloration and dynamic presence near Japanese waterways.

Measuring 18-19 cm, their gray upperparts and distinctive black cap and throat contrast sharply with their white face and belly.

Typically found in open country, these birds contribute to ecosystem health by controlling insect populations, making them a favorite among birdwatchers.

Little Egret

graceful white wading bird

Often spotted in the diverse wetlands of Japan, the Little Egret is a medium-sized heron known for its striking white plumage and graceful hunting techniques. This bird showcases long, slender black legs and a yellow, dagger-like bill.

It feeds on fish, amphibians, and insects, employing its sharp bill adeptly. During breeding season, it sports ornate, lacy plumes on its back and head.

Rock Pigeon

urban bird species variety

Rock pigeons, characterized by their gray bodies and iridescent necks, are a common sight in various environments throughout Japan. These birds, capable of adapting to urban, suburban, and rural settings, rely on diverse food sources.

Known for their distinctive cooing and year-round breeding, rock pigeons often roost on city structures, showcasing their remarkable adaptability and importance in the ecosystem.

Barn Swallow

bird with forked tail

The Barn Swallow is recognizable by its long forked tail and acrobatic flight patterns. It is a medium-sized bird frequently seen across Japan.

With steel blue upperparts and a reddish face, it is adept at aerial foraging, showcasing its ability to fly with agility, even among birds of prey.

These swallows migrate extensively and construct cup-shaped mud nests in man-made structures.

What Types of Birds in Japan Are Similar to the Birds in Indonesia?

Japan and Indonesia both share similar types of birds. The White-Bellied Sea Eagle, Stork-Billed Kingfisher, and Javan Hawk-Eagle are a few examples of the types of birds in Indonesia also found in Japan. The similar climates and habitats make these birds thrive in both countries. In addition to the White-Bellied Sea Eagle and Stork-Billed Kingfisher, Japan also is home to the Javan Hawk-Eagle and other types of birds found in Indonesia. This shared biodiversity is a testament to the close ecological connection between the two countries. The presence of these types of birds in both Japan and Indonesia also highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these species and their habitats.

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

small bird in asia

While Barn Swallows are distinguished by their aerial agility, Eurasian Tree Sparrows are more commonly noticed for their adaptability to both urban and rural settings in Japan.

Measuring 12-14 cm long, these sparrows showcase brown upperparts and distinct white cheeks with a black bib. They thrive on a diet of seeds, grains, and insects, underscoring their versatility in various Japanese habitats.