Japanese Grosbeak

The Japanese grosbeak, or Ikaru (Eophona personata), presents itself as a robust finch of considerable size, with males tipping the scales at around 80 grams and measuring a length of 18 to 23 centimeters. Its most striking feature is the large, pointed, and bright yellow bill, which is quite unmistakable.

Identification Tips

Adults of this species boast a bold black marking that stretches from the nape to the chin and ear-coverts across the neck, creating a stark contrast with the pale whitish-grey of the neck's side. The bird's underside is a more subdued grey, while the back is adorned with greyish-brown hues and the flanks are tinged with a gingery or tawny-brown. The wings and tail are predominantly black, save for a white patch on the inner-coverts and a distinctive white band in the middle of the primaries, visible during flight. Juveniles, in contrast, are a duller grey with an absence of black on the head.

Habitat

The Japanese grosbeak is found in deciduous or mixed forests, often favoring valleys over hillsides. It also frequents woods and groves of oak and birch, as well as well-wooded parks and gardens, and may winter on the edges of cultivated lands.

Distribution

The nominate race of the Japanese grosbeak is found throughout Japan, from Hokkaido to Kyushu, and is known to wander in search of food during the winter months. The alternate subspecies, E. p. magnostris, is migratory, breeding in the Amur, Ural, and Manchurian regions and wintering in areas such as Hebei and Beijing, occasionally venturing as far south as North Korea.

Behaviour

The Japanese grosbeak typically forms pairs or small flocks and can be quite secretive, often remaining concealed in foliage near the tree canopy. Despite this, its presence is frequently revealed by its distinctive vocalizations.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the Japanese grosbeak includes a short, sharp "tak tak" note emitted in flight. Its song is composed of a series of four flutey whistles, which can often be heard echoing through its habitat.

Diet and Feeding

In the winter, the Japanese grosbeak primarily feeds on cedar nuts, but it will also consume birch seeds and berries. Come summer, the diet shifts to become largely insectivorous, with a particular fondness for caterpillars and beetles.

Conservation status

The Japanese grosbeak is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, for now, this species does not face any immediate threat of extinction.