Other Small Birds
Japanese white eye / Zosterops japonicus / Mejiro / メジロ
This small (10 to 12 centimeters long) songbird is migratory in northern Japan, but resident in more southern climes like Amami-Oshima. Its head, back, and wings are bright olive green, contrasting with the yellow throat and grayish belly. The bird gets its name from the white ring around each eye. It is frequently seen in flocks, but partners bond for several years. Couples are very territorial, and the males use their loud, melodic voices to mark their spaces. They feed on insects and larvae as well as berries, and play an important role in dispersing seeds and pollinating flowers.
Japanese tit / Parus minor / Shijukara / シジュウカラ
This is a common bird found throughout Japan. Its distinctive design features a black head with white patches on its cheeks and a black “tie” running down from the throat to the lower tail. The wings are dark gray and the back has a yellowish-green tinge. Its song is high-pitched and loud, with over ten different notes.