Migratory Birds (signboard)
In spring and fall, large numbers of migrating raptors cross between Shikoku and Awaji Island. As many as 1,000 birds can be seen on peak days. These are the four main species that traverse the Naruto Strait:
Gray-faced buzzard
Growing between 47 and 51 centimeters in length, the gray-faced buzzard has a reddish-brown chest with white markings.
Common buzzard
This broad-winged, short-tailed bird is 50 to 60 centimeters in length and light gray-brown in color. It may appear to stop in midair while scanning the ground for food.
Eurasian sparrowhawk
The adult Eurasian sparrowhawk is between 30 and 40 centimeters in length. Its short wings give it great dexterity when hunting.
Crested honey buzzard
This bird is distinguished by its small, pigeon-like head and its wide wingspan, which can measure up to 155 centimeters.
Routes and seasons
The gray-faced buzzard and crested honey buzzard migrate from Japan to Indonesia and the southern Philippines in fall, passing over Naruto from east to west. In spring they return, crossing in the opposite direction. In fall, Eurasian sparrowhawks fly west to east as they journey from China to Japan. Fall migration takes place from September to November; spring migration from mid-March to early June. The common buzzard migrates between northern and southwestern Japan.