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Birds of Miyako Island
0=View point of Birds
0=View point of Sashiba
0=View point of shorebirds
0=View point of Common Terns
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The Miyako Island group is home to over 200 species of birds. This number may not be specially high considering the large size of the islands, but nevertheless it can be said that Miyako is a good place to observe wild birds. The Miyako Island is an important route for migrations between the surrounding landmasses. While you can go bird watching on Miyako anytime during the year, spring and autumn are by far the most productive seasons for bird watching. Use the chart below to get more detailed information on the different species of birds on Miyako Island, where they can be found, and at what times of the year.
The Journey of the Sashiba
The Sashiba is a very popular bird in Miyako. Songs and stories about the Sashiba have become a part of Miyako's folklore and culture. After spending the period from spring to early fall in the lower mountains and hilly regions of mainland Japan, they flock together at Kagoshima Prefecture to prepare for their southward migration. Their flight takes them over Tokunoshima and other islands in the Ryukyu Island chain - over 300 km of non-stop flying. Exhausted from their journey, they stop-over in Miyako to rest and look for food.The weather plays a vital role in their southern migration. They fly on a day with good wind conditions, when the ascending currents are easy to catch. The Sashiba you see in the picture is watching the cloudy skies, waiting for the right time to leave.
The Miyako Quail: females rule the roost
The Miyako quail is one of the birds endemic to the islands. They are usually found walking in the fields with their babies. If you take a closer look at their feet, you will see that, unlike the Honshu Island quail, Miyako quails do not have back nails. The Miyako quail differs from the Honshu quail not only in appearance but also in the way they behave. It is not unusual for female quail to have many male partners. After they finish laying their eggs, their male partners take on the responsibility of hatching the eggs and raising their young.
Bird watching is one of the most popular forms of nature-related recreation on Miyako Island. You don't even need a lot of specialized equipment, just a good pair of eyes (although binoculars would certainly help) and a good field guide to help you identify the birds. |
