Top 15 Types Of Birds In South Korea (With Pictures)

Curious about South Korea's bird species? Discover the top 15, from cranes to magpies, and see stunning photos that bring their stories to life.

birds in south korea

South Korea is home to numerous bird species, each exhibiting unique characteristics. Among the most remarkable are the endangered White-Naped Crane, known for its distinctive white neck and intricate courtship dances, and the vibrant Mandarin Duck, with its colorful plumage and woodland water-side habitats. The Eurasian Eagle-Owl, featuring imposing size and hunting prowess, thrives in the country's forests and mountains. Additionally, the Azure-Winged Magpie, recognized for its blue wings and social nature, and the critically endangered Black-Faced Spoonbill, with a spoon-shaped bill essential for its feeding, are significant. Each bird plays a pivotal role in South Korea's ecological balance, offering more insights into their preservation efforts and lifestyles.

White-Naped Crane

endangered bird in asia

The White-Naped Crane, an endangered bird species native to South Korea, is renowned for its distinctive white nape set against a stark black and red body. This bird species inhabits marshy wetlands, displaying unique courtship dances.

Conservation efforts focus on safeguarding its habitat to guarantee survival. The White-Naped Crane's striking appearance and behaviors underscore its ecological importance in South Korea.

Mandarin Duck

vibrant plumage mandarin duck

Colorful and mesmerizing, the Mandarin Duck is a native bird of East Asia, including South Korea. The males display vibrant plumage with patterns of orange, purple, white, and green, while females maintain a more subdued grayish-brown for camouflage.

Renowned for their elaborate courtship displays, these ducks prefer wooded habitats near water bodies, making rivers, lakes, and ponds ideal for their breeding activities.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl

large nocturnal powerful owl

Shifting focus from the vibrant waterways favored by the Mandarin Duck, South Korea's diverse avian population also includes the imposing Eurasian Eagle-Owl, renowned for its impressive size and hunting prowess.

This nocturnal predator thrives in forests and mountains, utilizing its large orange eyes for night hunting. Conservation efforts are vital in South Korea to mitigate habitat loss and guarantee their survival.

Azure-Winged Magpie

vibrant blue bird species

Known for their distinctive azure-blue wings and tail, Azure-Winged Magpies are a prominent feature of South Korea's avian landscape.

These social birds thrive in wooded areas, forming small groups or pairs. Their diet includes insects, fruits, seeds, and small vertebrates.

Vocalizations such as calls and squawks facilitate communication within groups.

Conservation efforts aim to protect them from habitat loss and fragmentation in South Korea.

Black-Faced Spoonbill

endangered bird species emblematic

Among the critically endangered bird species in South Korea, the Black-Faced Spoonbill stands out with its unique black facial skin and distinctive spoon-shaped bill.

These birds, part of several species critical to the region, breed in China and winter in South Korea.

Conservation efforts are crucial, focusing on habitat protection and population monitoring to guarantee the survival of this remarkable species in South Korea.

Korean Bush Warbler

rare bird in korea

The Korean Bush Warbler, a small and elusive bird, thrives in the dense vegetation of South Korea, enchanting birdwatchers with its loud, melodious song. Sporting distinctive olive-green plumage, it symbolizes good luck.

Despite its vocal nature, spotting this bird remains a challenge. Conservation efforts are essential for protecting its preferred habitats, ensuring the continued presence of this cherished species in South Korea's rich biodiversity.

Vinous-Throated Parrotbill

colorful bird with unique call

In South Korea's reed beds, marshes, and wetlands, the Vinous-Throated Parrotbill, a small songbird, makes its home. Known also as the Vinous-Necked Parrotbill, it belongs to the Sylviidae family.

This bird is distinguished by its vinous-colored throat and neck, and it feeds on insects, seeds, and berries. Its melodious calls and chirps facilitate communication within flocks, underscoring the importance of ongoing conservation efforts.

Yellow Sea Gull

seaside bird in flight

Yellow Sea Gulls, recognized by their distinctive yellow bills marked with a red spot, are a common sight along the coastal areas of South Korea. These medium-sized gulls, also known as Vega Gulls, thrive as opportunistic feeders.

They scavenge in urban locales and shorelines, and during breeding seasons, nest on rocky cliffs in colonies, underscoring the need for ongoing conservation efforts to protect their habitats.

Red-Crowned Crane

elegant symbol of japan

Shifting focus to another iconic bird, the Red-Crowned Crane stands out as a symbol of longevity and good fortune in South Korea.

This large bird, reaching up to 5 feet in height with an 8-foot wingspan, features a distinct red crown.

Known for their intricate courtship dances, these cranes are the focus of conservation efforts aimed at preserving their habitats and boosting their populations.

Baikal Teal

vibrant duck in asia

During the winter months, the Baikal Teal migrates to South Korea, where it is admired for its vibrant and colorful plumage. Known for its iridescent green and purple head with a unique white crescent mark, it inhabits wetlands and marshes.

These ducks, feeding on plants and invertebrates, form large flocks and benefit from conservation efforts aimed at protecting their essential wintering habitats.

Siberian Blue Robin

rare bird species found

The Siberian Blue Robin, a small migratory bird, graces South Korea with its vivid blue upperparts and pale orange breast during the breeding season. Preferring dense forests, they forage for insects and berries.

Renowned for their sweet song, these birds are essential to local biodiversity. Conservation efforts are important to maintaining their habitats and ensuring the Siberian Blue Robin continues to thrive in the region.

Streaked Shearwater

seabird with dark plumage

While the Siberian Blue Robin thrives in dense forests, the Streaked Shearwater favors the open seas surrounding South Korea's offshore islands for breeding. These medium-sized seabirds are notable for their streaked underparts.

They dive to catch fish and squid, and migrate vast distances to Australia and New Zealand. Conservation efforts are essential to combat threats from habitat degradation and pollution.

Korean Flycatcher

bird found in korea

How does the Korean Flycatcher, known scientifically as Ficedula zanthopygia, thrive in its native South Korean habitats?

This small bird, recognized by its black and white plumage and a distinctive yellow-orange rump patch, excels in agile aerial insect hunting.

It favors dense forests and woodlands for nesting and foraging.

Conservation efforts are essential for maintaining its habitat and ensuring the species' population stability in South Korea.

Oriental Stork

majestic endangered bird species

Endangered and majestic, the Oriental Stork, with its striking black and white plumage and vibrant red bill, faces critical challenges in South Korea.

With fewer than 50 individuals remaining, this critically endangered species is essential to the ecosystem, primarily feeding on fish, amphibians, and small mammals.

Efforts are underway to protect their habitat and boost their numbers through targeted conservation initiatives.

What is the Difference between Birds in South Korea and Korea?

The types of birds in Korea with pictures showcase the diverse avian population found in South Korea and North Korea. While both regions share some common bird species, there are also distinct differences due to geographical and environmental variations. These differences highlight the unique and varied birdlife that can be found throughout the Korean peninsula.

Long-Tailed Tit

tiny bird with tail

Renowned for their distinctive long tails and charming white heads, Long-Tailed Tits, or 'Dong-Dong' as they are affectionately known in Korean, thrive in the varied landscapes of South Korea's forests, parks, and gardens.

These social birds forage in flocks, skillfully building domed nests from natural materials and performing intricate displays during the breeding season to maintain their territories.