Blog
Blog 2026年10月
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Scaly-breasted munia
The Scaly-breasted munia is widely distributed from southern China to Taiwan, Indonesia, India and other parts of South-East Asia. It is a small bird characterised by the wavy pattern on its belly. Whilst 11 subspecies are recognised, the species has been introduced to the United States and Australia, and individuals inhabiting the Nansei Islands, such as Ishigaki Island, are considered to be non-native species resulting from escaped pet birds. However, as the species is commonly found in Taiwan, the possibility that they may have migrated from there cannot be entirely ruled out. Determining which birds are native and which are…
- Birds
- Ishigaki Island
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Grey-streaked flycatcher
Come autumn, it is common to spot small birds migrating even in city parks. A prime example of this is the Grey-streaked Flycatcher. From late September to early October, it can be observed at the Kyoto Imperial Palace. It breeds in northern regions such as Siberia and is a migratory bird that passes through Japan during the migration season. Although it also migrates in spring, it is overwhelmingly more commonly seen in autumn. It is characterised by vertical stripes running from its breast to its belly. Like other members of the flycatcher family, it takes off from tree branches, catches…
- Birds
- Ishigaki Island
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Red collared dove
Although rarely seen on Honshu, the Red collared dove is observed every year from autumn to spring in the Nansei Islands. It is much smaller than other pigeons commonly found in Japan—about the size of a starling—and is often seen mingling with flocks of Oriental turtle doves. The photograph shows a female. As the name suggests, the male has a reddish tinge to its back and belly, whilst the female is a dull, overall greyish-brown colour with no reddish hues. It is an extremely rare bird in Kyoto, with only a single record prior to the war, yet it is…
- Birds
- Ishigaki Island
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Ryukyu Ruddy Kingfisher still remaining
In late September on Ishigaki Island, the composition of migratory birds changes significantly from day to day. The Ryukyu Ruddy Kingfisher, a subspecies of the Ruddy Kingfisher, breeds in the Nansei Islands, including Ishigaki Island, and is said to disappear from sight by mid-August, but on this occasion I was lucky enough to spot one. As the base of its beak is blackish, it may be a juvenile born this year. Whilst they sing in a distinctive voice during the breeding season, they do not sing at this time of year, so one must search carefully among the branches in…
- Birds
- Ishigaki Island
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italico
Even on Ishigaki Island, restaurants come and go at a rapid pace, and there are many establishments that have closed down whilst I’ve been away for a while. Amidst this, ‘italico’ has been a beloved Italian restaurant on Ishigaki Island for over 20 years. It is a popular spot that is often visited on tours led by Mr Kobayashi, the birdwatching guide. Dining on the terrace whilst gazing out over the cobalt-blue Sakieda Bay is a truly relaxing experience. What’s more, at 1,100 yen for a starter, a main course of pasta and a drink, it’s remarkably good value—hard to…
- Ishigaki Island
- restaurant