Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker Nest
This nest was built in a wild native cherry tree. Japanese pygmy woodpecker (kogera) nests are reused by other small birds, such as the Japanese tit and willow tit.
All Kinds of Eggs
Displayed below is a selection of bird eggs from species found in the Towada area. The size, shape, color, and shell patterns differ depending on the type of bird. The species of the bird can be identified by the characteristics of the egg. Many types of bird eggs are slightly pointed at one end. This is no accident of nature: the oblong, pointed shape prevents eggs from falling from nests, and also facilitates their warming.
Japanese Rat Snake Has its Eye on Eggs
Skilled at climbing trees, Japanese rat snakes (aodaisho) use their scales to slither up and down tree trunks and move around on top of bamboo grass.
Bird eggs—even larger ones like chicken eggs—are a favorite part of the Japanese rat snake’s diet. Despite the size difference between egg and snake, eggs are swallowed whole. As the egg passes through the snake’s esophagus, it is pierced by protuberances on the vertebrae, allowing the snake to extract the nutrient-rich yolk and egg white. Once the snake has emptied the punctured egg of its contents, it regurgitates the shell.
Brood Parasitism by Lesser Cuckoo
The sound of birds singing floats from the depths of a grove of bamboo grass. Can you guess what kind of bird it is? Lift the flap to find out!