Japanese Cormorant
Phalacrocorax capillatus
A large dark cormorant of rocky marine shorelines, rarely recorded inland, unlike similar Great Cormorant, which is widespread inland. Similar to Great, but adult has more extensive white in the throat and in breeding plumage shows green (not bronze) sheen above. Juvenile usually has paler underparts than young Great. In all plumages, Japanese shows more bare orange-yellow skin above the eye than Great but has a much smaller gular pouch (bare skin of the throat).
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Phalacrocorax capillatus
- Authority
- (Temminck & Schlegel, 1850)
- Order
- Suliformes
- Family
- Phalacrocoracidae
- Genus
- Phalacrocorax
Range and habitat
- Breeding range
- PAL : ne Asian coasts: se Russia including Sakhalin, s Kuril Is., Hokkaido to Kyushu (n to s Japan), Korean Pen. and ne China
- Non-breeding range
- to Izu Is., n Ryukyu Is. (=Nansei Shoto; se, sw Japan), coastal e China and Taiwan
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Conservation
- Population trend
- unknown
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher
Bias musicus
Unusual, chunky, short-tailed, crested, yellow-eyed member of the vanga family. Males are strikingly black-and-white, with a small white patch at the front of the wing. Females have a chestnut back, blackish head, and pale underparts. The wings are short and rounded, and the flight is weak. Found in the canopy of humid forest, at low and middle elevations, often along forest edge and clearings. The variable song consists of slurred whistles. Calls include rasps and clearer bulbul-like notes.
Yungas Guan
Penelope bridgesi
Large guan with a long tail and red throat wattle. Dark brown overall with extensive white markings on wings. Unlike most other members of its genus, Yungas has dull grayish legs. Found in montane forests and edges. Listen for loud, harsh calls often given in a series. Restricted range in northwestern Argentina and southern Bolivia. Usually in pairs or small groups; often seen feeding at fruiting trees, but can be seen walking on the ground.
Finsch's Bulbul
Iole finschii
Nondescript bulbul; olive above and yellow below with an especially pale throat. Like many other bulbuls, manages to be distinctive despite being utterly unremarkable-looking. Inhabits lowland and foothill forests, in both primary and secondary growth. Moves through middle and upper levels of forest in pairs or small flocks, sometimes with other species. Gives rough “wek” and “kwik” calls when foraging, but otherwise fairly quiet.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.